HHI on-ground system cuts build time

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) recently launched an 82,000 m3 LPG carrier for Norwegian company BW Gas, formerly known as Bergesen. This is the first LPG carrier built on the ground at HHI, rather than in the conventional dry dock method. The Korean shipbuilder has so far completed 16 crude oil carriers using the on-ground shipbuilding method since June, 2004.

The move to on-ground shipbuilding is a significant one for HHI since it cuts down on the number of steel blocks needed from 80 to 35, improving the production efficiency and reducing the time needed for assembly. The company is able to assemble freight tanks 1,460 tonnes at a time.

HHI has eight LPG carriers in its orderbook for Bergesen, CMM in Greece, QSC in Qatar, and SK Shipping in South Korea. The ships were ordered with the understanding that they would be built on the ground. There are 30 additional ships that will be built on the ground for Germany, Russia, and India.

HHI is planning to increase the annual capacity of on-ground shipbuilding from eight ships to 16 by November, 2007. This innovative system allows HHI to construct new ships even when their dry docks are already at full capacity.