World’s First LNG-Fueled Bulker Delivered in South Korea

South Korea’s Ilshin Logistics has taken delivery of Ilshin Green Iris, the world’s first LNG-fueled bulk carrier, from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Lloyd’s Register informed.

With a dual class of Lloyd’s Register and Korean Register, the 50,000 dwt bulk carrier has also been verified to be in compliance with the International Gas Fuel (IGF) Code.

The vessel is the result of a collaboration project, announced in July 2016, to develop the first in a new generation of environmentally-friendly LNG-fueled bulkers.

The ship has a Type ‘C’ LNG fuel tank with a capacity of 500 cubic meters made of austenitic high manganese steel and located on the aft mooring deck. The material has a high manganese content and is specially designed for cryogenic LNG and liquefied gas storage applications. The properties and characteristics of the high-manganese steel, as well as the required welding technology and fuel tank design, have been proven suitable for cryogenics with the approval of LR, the classification society said.

LR granted the certification of High Manganese Steel Welding Consumables, Welding Procedure Approval and Material Approval for the ship in July 2017.

“I am very excited and proud to see the successful delivery of the world’s first 50,000 dwt LNG-fuelled bulk carrier with contribution from LR for the certification and approval (…) The successful delivery of the vessel should be a significant indication to the market of a reasonable and solid solution to the preparation for emission compliant eco-friendly designs,” JT Lee, LR’s Chief Representative & Marine Manager for Korea, commented.

Flying the flag of South Korea, the 31,000 gross-ton Ilshin Green Iris has a market value of USD 22.25 million, according to data provided by VesselsValue.