Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has successfully delivered a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier with a capacity of 7,500 m³, featuring the KC-2C cargo containment system. This innovative design, entirely developed in Korea, marks a significant advancement in the country’s LNG technology.
What’s noteworthy about this project is that the vessel was not newly constructed but converted from an existing LNG carrier. SHI transformed the cargo hold of the ship to incorporate the KC-2C system, showcasing its engineering expertise in retrofit projects.
The converted ship has already completed its first LNG delivery from Tongyeong to Jeju, affirming the reliability and performance of the KC-2C design in actual operations.
The KC-2C system enhances airtightness, stability, and insulation through an improved secondary barrier structure, which is crucial for safely handling LNG at temperatures of -163 °C.
Industry experts view this development as a pivotal achievement for Korea’s localization of essential LNG technologies. It also underscores the growing significance of a highly skilled domestic workforce capable of executing complex conversions, rather than relying solely on new construction projects.
Professionals in LNG training and consulting believe that the success of the KC-2C project could shape future educational programs focused on retrofit technologies, localized containment systems, and collaboration between Korea and India in the shipbuilding and maritime training sectors.
As SHI continues to advance indigenous LNG solutions, this accomplishment reinforces Korea’s ambition to develop self-reliant and globally competitive LNG transport capabilities.
