South Korea names first LNG-powered bulkers

South Korea has named the nation’s first LNG-powered bulk carriers HL Eco and HL Green.

Besides being the the first for South Korea, the vessels are also claimed to be the world’s first LNG-fueled large bulk carriers.

The naming ceremony took place on Friday at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in the port city of Yeongam, the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said.

Furthermore, the South Korean government provided a subsidy of 9.7 billion won ($8.9 million) to support the construction of the two eco-friendly vessels, the ministry said.

Both of the 180,000 dwt dual-fuel iron ore carriers belong to South Korea’s H-Line Shipping. The vessels are 292 meters long and 45 meters wide and feature two Type C 1,600 cbm LNG tanks, each.

As of next year, they will work on a route between South Korea and Australia. They will transport about 2 million tons of iron ore and coal annually, the ministry said.

Additionally, South Korean LNG importing giant Kogas will bunker both of the ships via a ship-to-ship method. The firm will use the 7,500-cbm SM Jeju LNG2 bunkering vessel, the first such ship in Korea, for these operations.

Two more to come

Hyundai Samho is also building two additional large LNG-powered bulk carriers of the same design.

Over the period of 2018 and 2019, H-Line Shipping ordered four sister ships at the Korean yard to respond to the IMO 2020 regulation requirements.

Hyundai Samho plans to deliver the named duo by the end of this month and the other two by end-March 2022.

Most Popular

Coastal Bend LNG plans large Texas export plant

Coastal Bend LNG said it had initiated development of a 22.5 million ton per annum (mtpa) natural gas liquefaction and export facility on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Golden Pass LNG contractors agree terms for second and third train

Japan's Chiyoda and US-based McDermott have signed a binding term sheet with Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture owned by QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, to complete the construction of the second and third liquefaction units at the giant LNG export plant in Texas.

HD Hyundai Samho scores contract to build LNG carrier quartet

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Samho has secured an order to build four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for about $1.03 billion.

More News Like This

HD Hyundai Samho scores contract to build LNG carrier quartet

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Samho has secured an order to build four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for about $1.03 billion.

GTT clinches new LNG tank gig

France’s GTT has secured a new tank design order from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

South Korea’s Kogas ups May sales

South Korean LNG importing giant Kogas said its gas sales rose by 5 percent in May compared to last year.

Knutsen, Orlen take delivery of sixth LNG carrier

Norway’s Knutsen has taken delivery of the last LNG carrier in a series of six sister vessels chartered to Poland's Orlen.