Korean Register (KR) and Hanwha Ocean have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop two design concepts for an 18,000-cubic-metre LNG bunkering vessel (LBV), with the agreement signed at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.

The partnership comes amid growing demand for LNG bunkering infrastructure as tighter greenhouse gas regulations and the expansion of LNG-fuelled shipping increase the need for reliable ship-to-ship fuel transfer at sea.

The two companies will develop vessel concepts featuring different cargo containment systems to address varying operational and bunkering requirements.

One design will use Hanwha Ocean’s MCTIB (High Manganese Steel Cargo Tank Independent Type-B) technology, while the second will feature independent Type-C tanks.

Hanwha Ocean will lead the basic vessel design and performance assessment, including the cargo tank arrangement, LNG bunkering system and operational concept.

KR will conduct technical reviews from the early design stage, focusing on safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency under relevant international conventions and classification rules.

Based on its review, KR will also carry out an Approval in Principle (AIP) assessment to support the technical validation and potential commercialisation of the vessel concepts.

Sangdon Kang, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Ocean, said: "With the tightening of global environmental regulations and the growing number of LNG-fuelled vessels, the LNG bunkering market's growth potential continues to expand. Through this joint development with KR, we aim to develop LNG bunkering vessel design capabilities that combine safety and economic efficiency, strengthening our competitiveness in the marine fuel supply market.”

Kyujin Yeon, Executive Vice President of KR, added: “As the adoption of alternative-fuelled vessels expands, the marine fuel supply infrastructure needed to support them will become increasingly important. KR will continue to work closely with shipyards and the wider maritime industry to support the commercialization of next-generation marine fuel supply technologies.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service