Jiangnan Shipyard has named and delivered IVY COVE, the first 93,000 m³ Very Large Ammonia Carrier built for Singapore-based EPS.
The handover took place on 10 June. The vessel is the first 93,000 m³ VLAC delivered in China and represents the first order worldwide for this ship type. After delivery, IVY COVE will be chartered by Trafigura.
The new carrier was developed by Jiangnan Shipyard as a derivative of its fourth-generation Panda 93A VLGC design. It has an overall length of 230 m, a beam of 36.6 m, a draft of 22.5 m and a structural draft of 13 m. The vessel is classed by Lloyd’s Register.
The design applies resistance and wake optimization technologies for medium- to high-speed vessels with high block coefficients. This allows the ship to maintain efficient hydrodynamic performance under full-load, ballast and varying cargo-density conditions.
To improve operating efficiency, Jiangnan Shipyard combined a patented wave-damping and seakeeping hull form with energy-saving devices installed before and after the propeller. The arrangement is intended to balance speed, cargo capacity, waterway access and terminal compatibility.
IVY COVE can carry a full cargo of liquid ammonia, propane, butane or other liquefied petroleum gases. It can also load two different liquefied gas cargoes at the same time, reflecting the still-limited parcel size of bulk liquid ammonia shipments.
The design includes an upgrade interface for an LPG dual-fuel main engine and shaft generator. With this configuration, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by about 20%, while sulfur oxide emissions can be cut by about 99%. The vessel meets EEDI Phase 3 requirements and provides an ammonia-ready pathway for future propulsion upgrades.
