Global Classification Approvals for Standard FLNG Design and VLEC Cargo Containment Systems
Hanwha Ocean is accelerating its efforts to capture the future energy vessel market by unveiling a series of next-generation gas carrier technology developments at “Gastech 2026,” including its standard design for Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) production facilities, high-manganese steel cargo containment systems, and high-pressure Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fuel tanks.
At Gastech 2026 held in Thailand, Sangdon Kang, Executive Vice President and Head of the Commercial Ship Division at Hanwha Ocean (left), and Vidal Dolonen, Managing Director of DNV Korea and Japan, are taking a commemorative photo after completing the joint development project of high-pressure LNG fuel tanks. Hanwha Ocean
Hanwha Ocean announced on September 17 that at Gastech 2026, currently being held in Bangkok, Thailand, the company presented its recent technical development achievements, which include obtaining classification approvals, reporting research and development results, and announcing the launch of new projects.
Hanwha Ocean received Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Norwegian classification society DNV for its standard FLNG design. Previously, Hanwha Ocean developed and obtained classification approval for a standard Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO) basic design that improved efficiency in design, procurement, and construction. The company has now extended this efficiency strategy to FLNG design. By leveraging a platform-based FLNG design that allows for repeat deployment, Hanwha Ocean expects to shorten initial engineering periods and enhance project predictability.
Approvals for Hanwha Ocean’s gas carrier-related technologies are continuing as well. The company also received an AIP from Lloyd’s Register (LR) of the United Kingdom for its “MCTIB” cargo containment system for very large ethane carriers (VLEC) with 100,000-cubic-meter capacity, which is based on high-manganese steel.
The MCTIB cargo containment system incorporates high-manganese steel to secure structural safety and utilizes the material’s excellent workability to increase efficiency in manufacturing and processing.
The company also revealed the results of next-generation fuel tank development for container vessels. Hanwha Ocean announced the completion of a joint development project (JDP) initiated with DNV in May to develop next-generation high-pressure LNG fuel tank technology. Under the current International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), LNG-fueled container vessel fuel tanks (IMO Type-B Tanks) are allowed a maximum pressure of 0.7 barg. Through this JDP, Hanwha Ocean and DNV succeeded in expanding this limit by approximately three times—to a maximum of 2.0 barg. This increase enables the vessel to store boil-off gas for longer periods, improving both operational flexibility and fuel management efficiency.
Hanwha Ocean will continue to drive new LNG-focused technology development. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LR to begin a joint development project (JDP) aimed at extending the internal inspection interval for LNG carrier cargo tanks. The two organizations will co-develop condition-based monitoring technology and a risk-based safety assessment system for cargo tanks, with the goal of extending the current 5-year internal inspection cycle to a maximum of 7.5 years.
Hanwha Ocean also signed an MOU with Korean Register (KR) for the joint development of an 18,000-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessel. The two parties plan to develop two different LNG bunkering vessel concepts—one applying the MCTIB system and the other using a Type-C independent tank. As LNG-fueled vessel orders increase and demand for LNG fuel supply infrastructure grows, Hanwha Ocean intends to actively pursue the LNG bunkering vessel market through this MOU.
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A Hanwha Ocean representative commented, “Hanwha Ocean continues to expand its technology portfolio to respond to a wide range of market demands,” adding, “Based on our differentiated R&D and engineering capabilities, we will provide the optimal future offshore solutions.”
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