Multiple tank design orders for LNG vessels in GTT’s bag

May 28, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

French technological containment specialist Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has won new tank design jobs for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers (LNGCs) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Hanwha Ocean.

LNG carrier (for illustration purposes); Source: GTT

GTT has secured the tank design for what are said to be the world’s first large-scale 177,000 cubic meter (cbm) LNG carriers featuring a three-cargo-tank configuration, combining simplified architecture with increased cargo capacity and a lower boil-off rate for improved vessel performance.

This order with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, on behalf of the shipowner BW LNG, will enable the French player’s new design to equip four newbuildings: two vessels already ordered in November 2025 and two additional vessels ordered in May 2026.

François Michel, CEO of GTT, commented: “This project marks a significant step forward in the evolution of LNG carrier design, with major gains in operational efficiency and environmental performance. It demonstrates GTT’s proactive approach in working closely with shipyards and ship-owners to address the evolving needs of the LNG transport market.”

This three-tank design is the result of a close collaboration between GTT, the shipyard, and the shipowner, with targeted reinforcements and design enhancements to deliver performance beyond that of a conventional four-tank 174,000 cbm LNG carrier. These four vessels, which will feature the GTT Mark III Flex membrane containment system with enhanced safety and structural integrity, are scheduled for delivery from the fourth quarter of 2028.

The three-tank LNG vessels represent a new-generation ship concept based on a proven design, delivering enhanced cargo efficiency and operational performance, enabling the lowest possible unit freight cost and reduced emissions.

Yngvil Åsheim, CEO of BW LNG, underscored: “BW LNG is proud to pioneer the industry’s first three-tank LNG carrier design across four of our new buildings. Developed in close collaboration with GTT and Hyundai, this innovative proven configuration delivers increased cargo capacity, with greater operational flexibility and enhanced operational performance.

“This collaboration reflects BW LNG’s commitment to practical innovation and delivering greater value to our clients, while strengthening our ability to support global LNG demand with lower emissions towards a lower-carbon future.”

French firm gets more work with Samsung Heavy Industries for LNG vessel pair

Vessels

The simplified vessel architecture enables an increase in tank length of up to 55%, while raising cargo capacity by 3,000 cbm to 177,000 cbm. Similar to the conventional 174,000 cbm LNGC configuration, GTT underlines that the vessels will have the same principal dimensions, terminal compatibility, loading, and discharge parameters.

The vessel can load any cargo parcel size by means of local membrane reinforcement, offering cargo owners full flexibility. With technological innovation and enhanced cargo handling and reliquefication capabilities, the three-cargo-tank design improves cargo utilisation and vessel performance.

By optimising the ratio of LNG cargo volume to insulation surface area, the design improves thermal efficiency and reduces the LNG boil-off gas rate, guaranteed at 0.08% per day.

HongRyeul Ryu, CTO of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, stated: “This contract marks a meaningful milestone for HD Group in advancing next-generation LNG carrier solutions.

“Through close collaboration with BW LNG and GTT, the innovative and highly efficient three-tank concept combines operational flexibility and cargo efficiency, while further strengthening our technological leadership in the LNG shipping sector.”

Meanwhile, GTT has received an order from Hanwha Ocean for the tank design of a new LNG carrier, on behalf of a European shipowner. The delivery of the vessel is scheduled for the second quarter of 2029.

The French firm will design the cryogenic tanks of the vessel, offering a total capacity of 174,000 cbm. The tanks will be fitted with the NO96 Super+ membrane containment system.