LR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and GTT Sign JDP to Develop 150,000 cbm Ultra-Large Ethane Carrier
Lloyd’s Register (LR), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and GTT have recently entered into a joint development project (JDP) agreement to work on the development and technical assessment of a 150,000 cbm ultra-large ethane carrier (ULEC). This project will feature GTT’s Mark III Slim design, aiming to revolutionize the ethane carrier segment.
Revolutionizing Ethane Transport
Announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, this collaborative effort brings together the expertise of HHI in shipbuilding, GTT’s innovative cargo containment technology, and LR’s classification and technical assurance capabilities. The primary goal is to develop and review the vessel design in alignment with LR Rules.
The 150,000 cbm ULEC concept represents a significant advancement in ethane carrier design, catering to the increasing demand for ethane transportation worldwide. With a focus on enhancing voyage economics and operational efficiency, the industry is exploring larger vessel concepts to meet these evolving requirements.
Challenges and Opportunities
Through the JDP, the partners will assess the technical challenges and opportunities associated with scaling ethane carrier capacity to 150,000 cbm. Key areas of focus include vessel design development, cargo containment integration, safety considerations, and compliance with relevant classification and regulatory standards.
This collaboration aims to establish a strong technical foundation for future ultra-large ethane carrier projects while enhancing understanding of the design, operational, and safety aspects related to vessels of this magnitude.
Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
Constantinos Chaelis, LR’s Global Gas Segment Director, emphasized the importance of developing efficient vessel concepts that prioritize safety and reliability in response to the expanding ethane trade. Similarly, HHI’s Chief Technology Officer, Hongryeul Ryu, highlighted the technological innovations incorporated into the 150,000 cbm ULEC design, aiming to set new standards in ship performance.
GTT’s Chief Executive Officer, François Michel, underscored the versatility of their technologies in enhancing ethane transportation efficiency. The collaboration among GTT, HHI, and LR demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing the development of highly efficient vessels while upholding stringent safety and compliance standards.
In conclusion, the LR, HHI, and GTT partnership signifies a significant step towards revolutionizing ethane transportation through cutting-edge vessel design and innovative technologies. This collaborative effort is poised to shape the future of the ethane carrier segment, setting new benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and reliability.
