HD Hyundai Samho Company has recently begun constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a capacity of 177,000 cubic meters at the Yeongam shipyard in South Jeolla Province. This ship, designed with advanced technology, is recognized as a new model in the South Korean shipbuilding industry that can increase LNG loading volume and improve transportation efficiency.
Differences in Design and Structure of the Ship
The new HD Hyundai Samho ship increases the loading capacity by 3,000 cubic meters by reducing the number of loading tanks from four to three. This change is made possible by reducing non-loading structures and equipment that typically existed between the tanks, and the internal space of the ship's hull has been adjusted so that the length of each tank increases by 55% compared to the 174,000 cubic meter class.
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This innovation in design requires complex manufacturing methods and safety approvals. With the reduction in the number of tanks, each tank becomes larger, which can lead to increased intensity of LNG “sloshing” inside the ship. In the event of sloshing, LNG can damage the internal structures of the tank and cause issues with the loading tank system.
Competition with China and the Future of Technology
This ship marks the first time a South Korean shipbuilder has attempted to construct a large LNG vessel with a three-tank configuration. While Chinese manufacturers have obtained verified technology for building three-tank ships, they have yet to succeed in constructing such vessels. In 2023, Hudong–Zhonghua Shipbuilding received technology certification for a ship with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters and a three-tank configuration from five international classification societies, including the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
This ship is considered an important technology for enhancing the competitiveness of South Korean shipbuilders in future LNG ship orders. The new vessel may also reduce construction costs, which could compensate for the price disadvantages of South Korean manufacturers compared to their Chinese competitors.
Ships transporting LNG from the United States and the Middle East to Asia and Europe require efficiency in carrying larger loads within fixed dimensions on a single voyage to reduce fuel consumption and transportation costs. This ship has a capacity of about 3,000 cubic meters more than the four-tank configuration within the same 177,000 cubic meter hull. With the same ship size, it is possible to load more LNG and reduce transportation costs.
By reducing the number of loading tanks to three, the materials used for constructing the tanks and the royalties paid to the French company GTT will also decrease. Typically, South Korean shipbuilders pay royalties to GTT for loading tanks, which is generally about 5% of the loading tank area. Reducing the number of tanks eliminates a coffer dam that includes the space between the tanks, leading to a reduction in total area.
Ryu Min-chul, a professor at the Korea Maritime and Ocean University, stated: "Building three loading tanks means that higher pressures may arise, indicating that HD Hyundai has found a safe construction method." He also added: "Assuming no safety issues, the surface area will be less than that of the four-tank configuration, which helps reduce material amounts and lower the ship's price."
The localization process for LNG loading tanks is also accelerating. Localization of loading tanks has been identified as a key task for improving profitability in the shipbuilding industry and helps reduce costs. Last year, the government selected LNG loading tank localization as one of the "15 leading projects in the super-innovation economy" and is accelerating technological initiatives.
The development of loading tank technology from the first generation to the second generation is speeding up. Three major shipbuilders are each pursuing domestic loading tank technologies. Samsung Heavy Industries has received technology certification for its domestic loading tank technology named KC-2C from DNV Norway and three other international societies. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has also received certification from Lloyd’s Register of the UK and Korean registration, while Hanwha Ocean has obtained certification from five societies, including DNV.
The Korean Gas Corporation (KOGAS) has planned to place an order for a ship this year to test second-generation loading tank technology. The selected manufacturer's technology will advance through real-world testing in the bidding competition.
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