Samsung Heavy selects GTT tank design for three new ethane carriers

French technological containment specialist Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has secured an order from South Korean shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for the tank design of very large ethane carrier (VLEC) trio.

As disclosed, the order booked in the first quarter of 2025 entails three VLECs to be fitted with GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system.

The ethane carriers in question will feature a total capacity of 100,000 cubic meters each and trade various types of liquefied gases such as ethane, ethylene, propane, butane, LPG, propylene.

The vessels are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027.

While the owner of the VLEC trio was not revealed, it is understood that the ships in question were ordered by Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) at SHI.

MOL recently revealed the shipbuilding contract with the South Korean shipyard for three VLECs with corresponding capacity and delivery date specifics.

The newbuilds will have a length of 230 meters and a breadth of 36.6 meters and will be equipped with dual-fuel ethane propulsion engines which are expected to reduce greenhouse gas, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to conventional heavy fuel oil vessels.

MOL’s subsidiary, MOL Energia signed a long-term charter contract for three VLECs with SCG Chemicals (SCGC), Thailand’s largest petrochemical company.