HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korean Register to jointly develop VLEC

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Korean Register (KR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a very large ethane carrier (VLEC).

The MoU was signed at Nor-Shipping 2025, which is being held at Oslo from 2 to 6 June.

Ethane carriers are designed to transport liquefied ethane at ultra-low temperatures of approximately -100°C.

These ships feature advanced engineering facilities and specialised design due to the nature of their cargo.

The partnership will see the development of a VLEC with a cargo capacity exceeding 100,000m³.

The VLEC will be designed to optimise cargo volume while adhering to the main specifications of conventional vessel designs.

Hyundai Heavy Industries CTO and executive vice president RYU Hong-Ryul said: “Through the development of this next-generation vessel capable of transporting more cargo under the same conditions, we will once again demonstrate HHI’s technological leadership in the global ethane transportation market.

“Ultimately, we aim to deliver a sustainable solution that enhances both profitability and environmental performance for our customers.”

The new VLEC will not only be capable of transporting ethane but also other cargoes such as LPG and propylene.

This versatility is expected to enhance the “operational flexibility” and “market responsiveness” for shipowners.

Under the terms of the joint project, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will spearhead the vessel’s basic and hull design.

KR will be responsible for reviewing the safety and regulatory compliance of the design in line with its latest structural rules for gas carriers and international standards, with the goal of granting an approval in principle.

Korean Register chairman & CEO LEE Hyungchul said: “This joint effort marks a meaningful starting point in the development of next-generation ethane carriers. KR remains committed to supporting the industry and driving innovation in future ship technologies.”

In March, Korean Register gave approval in principle certification to maritime decarbonisation technology provider VINSSEN for what is claimed to be South Korea’s “first” tugboat equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.

"HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korean Register to jointly develop VLEC" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.

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