The race to solidify ammonia as the maritime industry’s premier zero-carbon fuel has shifted into high gear this week, with major breakthroughs announced in both Japan and South Korea. At the Sea Japan 2026 exhibition in Tokyo, ClassNK issued a world-first Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fuelled panamax bulk carrier (pictured) featuring an IMO Type B independent fuel tank installed on the exposed deck. Developed by the Planning and Design Center for Greener Ships (GSC), the design challenges the traditional dominance of Type C tanks. While Type C tanks have historically been favoured for their cost and productivity, Type B tanks are now gaining traction for large-capacity requirements, offering superior cargo efficiency and outfitting flexibility. Across the water in Ulsan, the focus shifted from design to operation. Lotte Fine Chemical announced it has successfully commercialised ammonia as a ship fuel for the first time globally. On the 23rd, the company injected green ammonia-produced by Envision Energy in Inner Mongolia-into a vessel built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The ship, which runs solely on ammonia without using a drop of oil, represents a historic milestone. Lotte Fine Chemical has spent years preparing for this moment, leveraging its position as the owner of Asia’s largest ammonia terminal and its status as South Korea’s first registered ammonia bunkering supplier. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsJapan South Korea