Capital Gas Ship Management has announced an order for what are believed to be the world’s first two 88,000m3 very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) vessels with Hyundai HD KSOE of South Korea.
The innovative vessels will be constructed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and are scheduled to be delivered by the second half of 2027. The vessels are distinguished from conventional very large gas carriers as they are designed with significantly increased ammonia loading capacity in the cargo tanks, allowing them to carry ammonia up to 98% of tank capacity. At the same time, this new investment marks another landmark for the Capital Group and its strategic commitment to lay a leading role in the global decarbonisation effort.
Capital says it is currently implementing one of the largest and most diversified shipbuilding programmes of 59 newbuildings with delivery dates extending from 2020 to 2027, including the order of two innovative liquefied CO2 (LCO2) 22,000m3 carriers expected to be delivered in 2025-2026.
In Singapore, KSOE signed contracts for the four 88,000m3 VLACs with Capital Gas and Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS). Furthermore, Capital Gas and EPS have agreed with Hyundai to explore the possibility for this series of vessels to be equipped with an ammonia dual-fuel propulsion system, which could reduce the vessels’ carbon footprint to zero.
