Hanwha Ocean and Korean Register to develop LNG bunkering vessels

Korean Register (KR) and Hanwha Ocean have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop two design concepts for an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel. The agreement was signed on September 16 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

The project aims to address the increasing demand for stable LNG fuel supply infrastructure driven by tightening international greenhouse gas emission regulations and the rising number of LNG-fueled vessels. The two design concepts will utilize different cargo containment solutions to meet various operational requirements: one featuring High Manganese Steel Cargo Tank Independent Type-B (MCTIB) and Hanwha Ocean’s LNG cargo tank solution, and the other utilizing independent Type-C tanks.

Hanwha Ocean will manage the basic design and vessel performance assessment, including the cargo tank arrangement and bunkering systems. Korean Register will provide comprehensive reviews regarding safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, and will conduct an Approval in Principle (AIP) assessment to support the technical reliability and commercialization of the vessel concepts.