Maersk Tankers has named Jessie Maersk, the second vessel in a series of ten very large ammonia and gas carriers (VLACs/VLGCs), at a ceremony at HD Hyundai Samho’s shipyard in Mokpo, South Korea.

The ship is designed to carry both LPG and ammonia and includes a dual-fuel engine retrofit option that would allow it to run on ammonia as a fuel in future.

Maersk Tankers said the carriers were an important part of its re-entry into gas shipping, noting that they “reflect our long-term commitment as owners and operators of future-oriented vessels”.

"As the new vessels join our fleet, we are strengthening our position in gas shipping and creating new commercial opportunities for our customers and Maersk Tankers," it added.

Maersk Tankers is a Copenhagen-based shipowner and operator providing energy transportation and commercial management services for other owners, including tanker-pool and voyage management. Its activities span the crude oil, refined products, chemicals and gas markets.

The company is rebuilding its gas-carrier fleet after exiting the sector in 2013 through sales to Navigator Gas and BW Group. It returned to gas-carrier voyage management in 2023 and is now taking delivery of a series of ten very large ammonia and gas carriers designed to transport both LPG and ammonia.