Hanwha Ocean joins forces with BV for 270K LNG carrier development

Classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) and South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean have concluded a joint development project (JDP) for the development of a 270,000 cubic meter (cbm) LNG carrier, resulting in certification of the hull design.

According to BV, Hanwha Ocean’s proprietary hull design for a 270,000 cbm LNG carrier was developed to anticipate and meet the future demands of the LNG market.

BV further explained that with optimized hull performance and maximized cargo capacity, the new design exceeds the capabilities of the existing 263,000 cbm LNG and FSRU design.

Throughout the project, Hanwha Ocean prepared the development of hull key drawings for the 270,000 cbm LNG carrier design in compliance with BV’s requirements and relevant regulations. Subsequently, Hanwha Ocean and BV agreed to jointly develop this new size vessel to secure structural reliability and obtain approval in principle (AiP).

BV performed 2D local scanting and 3D cargo hold finite element analysis to verify Hanwha Ocean’s hull key drawings, including the assessment of the longitudinal strength of the hull, as well as the yielding and buckling of longitudinal and transverse members. Fatigue analysis was also conducted using a local fine mesh to evaluate the details of hull structures sensitive to fatigue.

Following the completion of the hull design verification, the certification was delivered to Hanwha Ocean on February 28, 2024, BV said.

Drago Pinteric, Country Chief Executive of BV Korea, commented: “The development of a new standard 270K LNG carrier holds immense importance for BV as it aligns with our core responsibilities of ensuring safety, compliance, and quality in maritime operations. This involvement reinforces BV’s commitment to industry leadership, innovation, and the promotion of sustainable and safe shipping practices.

“We commend the strong collaboration between Bureau Veritas and Hanwha Ocean, showcasing a robust partnership in the maritime and related industries. Such alliances contribute to enhanced safety, quality assurance, and sustainable practices in the ever-evolving maritime landscape.”

Sang-Don Kang, Vice President of Basic Design Department of Hanwha Ocean, said: “The newly developed 270K LNGC is dedicated to minimizing unit freight costs, and ensuring structural robustness for the vessel’s safety performance. I am pleased that the structural reliability of this new vessel will be verified once again through this JDP with BV.”

In October 2023, DNV presented Hanwha Ocean with an AiP for a 270,000 cbm LNG carrier, designed with a breadth (molded) of 55 meters and five cargo tanks to minimize sloshing pressure and equipped with an X-DF engine and re-liquefication system.

Through the partnership with BV, Hanwha Ocean is also working on the structural assessment of independent LNG fuel tanks for ultra-large container ships.