KR, Hanwha Ocean to Jointly Develop 18K LNG Bunkering Vessel

[Financial News] Korean Register announced on the 17th that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Ocean to jointly develop an 18K-class LNG bunkering vessel at Gastech 2026, which is being held in Bangkok.
The joint development project involves an approximately 18K-class LNG bunkering vessel. To address various LNG fuel-supply environments, the two companies will develop design concepts using either MCTIB, a high-manganese-steel LNG storage tank, or Type-C independent tanks based on a pressure-vessel design. The goal is to secure LNG bunkering vessel design technology that offers stable cargo operations and economic efficiency.
Hanwha Ocean will carry out the basic design and review the vessel’s performance. It will also lead the arrangement of the LNG cargo tanks and the development of the fuel-supply system and operating concept.
KR will comprehensively review safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency from the early design stage in accordance with international conventions and classification rules. Based on the results of its technical review, KR also plans to assess the issuance of approval in principle (AIP), supporting the vessel’s technical reliability and commercialization.
Yeon Gyu-jin, vice president of KR, said, "As eco-friendly vessels become more widespread, the importance of maritime fuel-supply infrastructure supporting them will also grow." He added, "KR will work with shipyards and other industry stakeholders to actively support the commercialization of next-generation eco-friendly maritime fuel-supply technologies."

[email protected] Kwon Byeong-seok Reporter