China’s major shipbuilder Jiangnan Shipyard delivered the world’s largest ammonia carrier on Wednesday, marking another critical milestone in the country’s push into high-value shipbuilding.

The 93,000-cubic-metre very large ammonia carrier (VLAC), named Ivy Cove, is the first vessel to be delivered from a six-ship order placed in 2023 by Singaporean shipowner Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).

The VLAC order, which is the first order EPS has placed with Jiangnan, shows Chinese shipbuilders’ active participation in global decarbonisation, the state-owned shipyard said in a press release.

The successful delivery of Ivy Cove also showcases Jiangnan’s advanced technical capabilities in the specialised liquefied gas carrier sector, the company said, given the difficulties involved in the project.

Transporting ammonia poses severe engineering challenges due to the chemical’s high density and corrosive nature, requiring higher structural and safety standards for cargo containment and weight bearing.

Ammonia is a green fuel as it emits no carbon dioxide upon combustion. Furthermore, because ammonia liquefies at a much higher temperature than hydrogen, it serves as an ideal medium to store and transport hydrogen across oceans.