Two cargo containment solutions target growing LNG bunkering demand

Korean Register  signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Ocean to jointly develop two design concepts for an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vesse on September 16 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

As international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions continue to tighten and the number of LNG-fueled vessels grows, the need for a stable LNG fuel supply infrastructure is also increasing. This is driving demand for LNG bunkering vessels capable of ship-to-ship LNG fuel transfer at sea.

Under the agreement, KR and Hanwha Ocean will develop two design concepts for an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel, each featuring a different cargo containment solution to meet varying bunkering and operational requirements.

The two concepts will incorporate MCTIB (High Manganese Steel Cargo Tank Independent Type-B), Hanwha Ocean’s LNG cargo tank solution, and independent Type-C tanks, respectively. The project aims to develop LNG bunkering vessel designs that combine reliable cargo operations with economic efficiency.

Hanwha Ocean will lead the basic design and vessel performance assessment, overseeing the development of the cargo tank arrangement, LNG bunkering system and operational concept.

KR will conduct a comprehensive review from the early design stage, assessing safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency in accordance with applicable international conventions and classification rules. Based on the results of this technical review, KR will also conduct an AIP assessment, supporting the technical reliability and future commercialization of the LNG bunkering vessel concepts.

Sangdon Kang, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Ocean, said:

“With the tightening of global environmental regulations and the growing number of LNG-fueled vessels, the LNG bunkering market’s growth potential continues to expand. Through this joint development with KR, we aim to develop LNG bunkering vessel design capabilities that combine safety and economic efficiency, strengthening our competitiveness in the marine fuel supply market.”

Kyujin Yeon, Executive Vice President of KR, added:

“As the adoption of alternative-fueled vessels expands, the marine fuel supply infrastructure needed to support them will become increasingly important. KR will continue to work closely with shipyards and the wider maritime industry to support the commercialization of next-generation marine fuel supply technologies.”