A contract has been signed by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) to build a 50,000 DWT, LNG-powered bulk carrier with ILSHIN LOGITICS.
This is the largest LNG-powered bulk carrier ordered to date. It will be delivered in Q4 of 2017 and will be used to transport limestone cargoes for steelmaker POSCO.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the Korean Register (KR) will provide dual classification and certification, verifying compliance with the International Gas Fuel (IGF) Code.
A new type of cryogenic steel, developed by POSCO that is high in manganese will be used for the 500 m3 capacity Type ‘C’ LNG fuel tank.
Chang-hyun Yoon, EVP of HMD Initial Planning Division, explained: “We should not hesitate to adopt new technologies and materials as we strive for a greener shipbuilding and shipping industry. The world’s first application of high-manganese steel for an LNG storage tank is a challenge but I believe that the material expertise of POSCO and the engineering capability of HMD will offer the right solution to the shipowner. Additionally, the technology evolution represented by this project paves the way for small-scale LNG carrier designs incorporating high-manganese steel Type ‘C’ cargo tanks at a competitive price.”
Jin-Tae Lee, LR’s Korea Chief Representative & Marine Manager, stated: “The successful construction of this vessel will be a very good trigger to draw the LNG industry’s attention to the widespread adoption of high-manganese steel in marine applications, for those who are hesitant to adopt LNG-fuelled systems due to high CAPEX. This contract is evidence that shipping can make progress to address cost challenges as well as provide technical solutions in tough markets – and doing so without compromising both safety and performance.”
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