HD Korea Secures Major LNG Carrier Contract
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has kicked off the new year with a significant contract worth 1.5 trillion Korean won, showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly shipbuilding technology. The company announced on January 6 that it has signed a deal with a shipowner in the Americas for the construction of four ultra-large liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, each with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters. These vessels are set to be built at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and are expected to be delivered by mid-2029.
Innovative Design and Enhanced Efficiency
The newly ordered LNG carriers will surpass the capacity of traditional vessels, which typically hold 174,000 cubic meters of LNG. With dimensions of 294.8 meters in length, 48.9 meters in width, and 26.7 meters in height, these ships promise to reduce transportation costs significantly. LNG carriers are crucial for transporting natural gas in a chilled liquid state, and their construction demands advanced technology, earning them the title of “the flower of the shipbuilding industry.”
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According to Clarksons Research, a leading shipbuilding and shipping analysis firm, the demand for LNG carriers is expected to remain strong this year. This surge is attributed to the simultaneous development of new LNG projects and the need to replace aging vessels. The new carriers will be equipped with high-efficiency shaft generators and LNG reliquefaction systems. The shaft generators will generate electricity in sync with the propulsion shaft’s rotation, enhancing fuel efficiency by reducing reliance on separate generators. Meanwhile, the reliquefaction system will minimize cargo loss and greenhouse gas emissions by re-liquefying evaporated LNG gas during operations.
A spokesperson from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering emphasized the company’s ongoing focus on developing eco-friendly technologies and securing contracts for high-value vessels. The company has set an ambitious order target of 23.3 billion U.S. dollars for the current year, indicating its commitment to leading the shipbuilding industry with innovative and sustainable solutions.
