BUSAN — The Korean Register (KR) and Hanwha Ocean (042660.KS) are moving to develop a large liquefied natural gas bunkering vessel, as tighter greenhouse gas rules from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) expand the market for LNG-fueled ships. The move aims to capture not only the shift to cleaner marine fuels but also the infrastructure market for ship-to-ship LNG supply at sea.
KR said on the 17th that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Ocean for the joint development of an 18,000-cubic-meter-class LNG bunkering vessel at Gastech 2026, held in Bangkok on the 16th. The two sides plan to develop design concepts using different types of LNG cargo tanks so the vessel can serve a range of fuel-supply conditions.
KR and Hanwha Ocean will prepare two designs, one using MCTIB, an LNG storage tank based on high-manganese steel, and the other using a Type-C independent tank of the pressure-vessel type. The aim is to compare cargo handling and cost performance by tank type and secure design technology that can meet actual bunkering demand.
Hanwha Ocean will handle the basic design and vessel performance review, leading work on the layout of LNG cargo holds, the fuel supply system and operating concepts. KR will review safety, regulatory compliance and operating efficiency from the earliest design stage under international conventions and classification rules, and will pursue approval in principle (AIP) after technical verification.
The industry expects LNG bunkering vessels to emerge as key infrastructure supporting the spread of eco-friendly ships. Direct ship-to-ship refueling in particular can be used to expand LNG supply networks within ports, and the role of such vessels is expected to grow as large ships shift to LNG fuel in earnest.
"We will continue to work closely with shipyards and the wider industry to actively support the commercialization of next-generation eco-friendly marine fuel supply technology," said Yeon Kyu-jin, vice president of KR.
