On 2 February, GTT announced on its official website that it signed a supply contract with HD KSOE to provide liquid cargo tank design for four new LNG carriers. The order aligns with HD KSOE’s earlier disclosure on 6 January that it had received an order for the same four LNG carriers, placed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and a Norwegian shipowner.
The four vessels are scheduled to be constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Each ship is specified with a cargo capacity of 200,000 m³ and will be fitted with GTT’s Mark III Flex+ membrane containment system. Delivery is planned between the third quarter of 2028 and the first quarter of 2029.
The vessels are described as 200,000 m³-class LNG carriers with principal dimensions of 294.8 m in length, 48.9 m in width, and 26.7 m in height. Compared with conventional 174,000 m³ LNG carriers, the higher capacity is positioned to move more cargo per voyage. The specification also includes high-efficiency shaft generators and LNG reliquefaction systems, intended to maximise operational efficiency and reduce unit transportation costs for shipowners.
As of 2 February, GTT stated it has publicly announced liquid cargo tank design contracts covering 20 LNG carriers this year. Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Heavy Industries, and HD KSOE were listed as having secured orders for 9, 5, and 6 vessels respectively.