KR and HD HHI develop next-gen ethane carrier

Ethane carriers are designed to transport liquefied ethane at ultra-low temperatures of around -100°C. These ships require advanced engineering capabilities and highly specialised design expertise due to the complexity of their cargo.

With a cargo capacity of more than 100,000m³ the new VLEC will be designed to maximise cargo volume while minimising changes to conventional vessel designs. The vessel will be capable of transporting a variety of cargoes, such as LPG and propylene.

HD HHI will take the lead in the vessel’s basic and hull design. “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,” said Ryu Hong-Ryul, chief technology officer and executive vice president at HHI.

KR will review the safety and regulatory compliance of the design in accordance with its latest structural rules for gas carriers and international standards, with the aim of granting an approval in principle.

“This joint effort marks a meaningful starting point in the development of next-generation ethane carriers,” said Lee Hyungchul, chair & chief executive of KR.