World’s Largest LNG-Fueled Ship Set for Delivery

Image credit: Lloyd’s Register

Hyundai Heavy Industries, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, is getting ready to deliver the world’s largest LNG-fueled ship, a 50,000 dwt bulk carrier. 

Delivery is expected by the end of the year from HHI’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea, according to a statement from international classification society Lloyd’s Register, which will class the vessel together with the Korean Register.

The ship was ordered in 2016 and is being built for Ilshin Logistics in collaboration with steelmaker POSCO. It will feature a new cryogenic LNG fuel tanks made of high-manganese steel developed by POSCO. Once delivered, the ship will transport limestone cargoes in the Korean coastal trade.

The project has been described as a key milestone in efforts to support wider adoption of LNG as fuel.

Delivery of the new vessel is just one of a number of innovative projects Lloyd’s Register is working on with the shipbuilder.

Earlier this year, HHI and LR announced a joint development project to design 180,000 dwt class bulk carriers. The design development is almost complete and is in the process of receiving approval in principle. The vessel will be made for short to medium-haul bulk trade (i.e. Australia – Asia) and long-haul bulk trade (i.e. Brazil – Asia) service. The design includes stern-mounted LNG fuel tanks with POSCO high manganese steel or 9% nickel steel.

Additionally, Woodside, Anangel, GE, LR and HHI signed a joint industry project agreement to develop an LNG-fuelled 250,000 dwt very large ore carrier operating on the Australia – Asia iron ore trade route. An analysis of the design to verify its safety level was recently completed with all parties in Seoul.

“We are pleased to help the shipyard bring these types of innovative designs to the market through the joint development project with HHI,” said LR’s Jin-Tae Lee, Korea Chief Representative & Marine Manager. “We believe that HHI’s efforts can offer the possibility that will help owners comply with emission regulations with a reliable and competitive solution.”

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