LR, HD Hyundai, GTT to Develop Ultra-Large Ethane Carrier

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has announced a significant collaboration with GTT and Lloyd’s Register (LR) to develop an ultra-large ethane carrier (ULEC) with a capacity of 150,000 cubic metres. This project, unveiled at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, aims to combine HHI's shipbuilding expertise with GTT's advanced cargo containment technology and LR's classification capabilities.

The new vessel design is set to be the largest in the ethane carrier segment, addressing the growing demand for larger vessels that can transport more cargo efficiently while ensuring safety and operational reliability. The partners will evaluate the technical challenges involved in increasing the capacity of ethane carriers to this unprecedented scale.

Constantinos Chaelis, Global Gas Segment Director at LR, emphasized the need for larger and more efficient vessels as the ethane trade expands. He stated, "This collaboration provides an opportunity to apply our advanced gas carrier expertise to the development of a credible and technically robust ULEC concept."

Hongryeul Ryu, HHI's Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the company's commitment to innovation in ship design, aiming to enhance vessel performance and economic efficiency. Ryu noted that the new design will incorporate the MARK III Slim cargo containment system, which is expected to improve both performance and weight efficiency.

François Michel, CEO of GTT, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that their technologies will enable greater efficiency in ethane transportation. This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards establishing a new paradigm in ship design and construction in the energy sector.