Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has named Terra Clove, the world’s first ammonia dual-fuel Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC), marking a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s transition towards ammonia as a marine fuel.
Built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Terra Clove has a capacity of 93,000m³. The vessel is powered by the first Everllence B&W 6G60ME-C10.5-LGIA ammonia dual-fuel two-stroke engine, developed by Everllence, formerly MAN Energy Solutions, and manufactured under license by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) – Engine & Machinery Business Unit.
The naming ceremony was held at HHI in Ulsan, bringing together senior leaders and representatives from EPS, HHI, Everllence, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), ABS, the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and other key partners involved in the vessel’s development.
Equipped with ammonia dual-fuel propulsion, Terra Clove is designed to operate on ammonia while retaining the flexibility to use conventional marine fuel. When operated on green ammonia produced using renewable energy, the vessel has the potential to achieve significant lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions compared with conventionally fuelled vessels.
The vessel is the result of a collaboration formalised in September 2023, when EPS joined HHI, Everllence, MPA and ABS to advance the development of ammonia dual-fuel vessels and the wider capabilities required for their safe operation.
Since then, the collaboration has extended beyond vessel and engine development to include technical assurance, regulatory engagement and specialised crew training. EPS personnel have worked alongside Everllence engineers to build the knowledge and practical capabilities required to operate ammonia dual-fuel engines safely.
Cyril Ducau, Chief Executive Officer of EPS, said: “Three years ago, EPS and our partners set out to move ammonia propulsion from concept towards commercial reality. The delivery of Terra Clove is an important milestone in that journey and demonstrates what can be achieved through long-term collaboration across the maritime industry.
“At the heart of the vessel is the world’s first Everllence B&W G60ME-C10.5-LGIA engine, representing the first seagoing application of Everllence’s two-stroke ammonia engine technology. This is an important technological achievement, but preparing for ammonia-fuelled shipping requires more than the engine alone. It requires the right vessel design, safety systems, operating procedures, infrastructure and, most importantly, trained and capable seafarers. We thank HHI, Everllence, MPA, ABS and everyone involved in bringing Terra Clove to life. Together, we are building the experience and capabilities needed to support the safe and practical use of green ammonia as a marine fuel.”
As both a carrier of ammonia and a vessel capable of using ammonia as fuel, Terra Clove demonstrates the important role that VLACs can play in supporting the emerging green-ammonia value chain. Beyond transporting ammonia to markets worldwide, vessels such as Terra Clove can help advance its practical application as a marine fuel.
EPS says the delivery of Terra Clove marks a significant step in its alternative-fuel programme, moving ammonia propulsion from development towards commercial deployment and providing a platform for continued operational learning.
Following the naming ceremony, EPS intends to bunker green ammonia supplied by LOTTE Fine Chemical, Asia’s largest ammonia distributor, at its terminal in Ulsan. Produced by Envision Energy, the green ammonia will be used to support Terra Clove’s ammonia-burning trials, translating the vessel’s dual-fuel capability into practical operating experience