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Despite the ongoing trend toward larger vessels across all ship types, the 174,000-cbm LNG carrier remains the standard design in the global LNG shipbuilding market, with dozens of orders placed annually, KR noted in a statement.
To further enhance the technical competitiveness of this vessel size, KR and SHI plan to introduce a revised cargo tank configuration, reducing the number of tanks from four to three, while ensuring both economic efficiency and structural safety.
KR said reducing the number of tanks is expected to lighten the hull, thereby improving fuel efficiency and decreasing natural boil-off and vaporization of LNG, ultimately reducing operating costs.
Fewer tanks also mean fewer onboard pumping systems, which simplifies maintenance and reduces long-term operational expenses.
However, larger individual tank sizes can lead to more pronounced liquid movement, known as sloshing, within the tank.
This motion can exert repeated pressure loads on the tank walls and internal structures, potentially affecting the vessel’s structural integrity.
KR noted it will conduct a thorough review to ensure the vessel’s compliance with applicable classification rules and international regulations, and plans to grant approval in principle (AIP) once structural safety and conformity have been verified.
Samsung Heavy is one of the world’s builders of LNG carriers. The shipbuilder won orders for 22 LNG carriers worth $5.3 billion in 2024, and one LNG carrier this year to date.
Three-tank designs
Developments of three-tank LNG carriers are already underway.
China’s Hudong-Zhonghua recently received approvals from classification societies BV, CCS, DNV, and LR for a three-tank LNG carrier design.
The LNG carrier will have a capacity of 201,000 cbm, while its tanks will be equipped with GTT’s NO96 Super+ containment technology.
Back in 2023, Hudong-Zhonghua and French LNG containment specialist GTT developed a new 174,000-cbm LNG carrier design with three storage tanks.
In December last year, GTT also secured approval from LR for its three-tank LNG carrier with a capacity of 200,000 cbm.