HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) has demonstrated its differentiated competitiveness in the gas carrier market. Leveraging its long-accumulated liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier technology, construction experience, and leading eco-friendly solutions, the company has secured another large LNG carrier order from a UK-based shipowner.
According to U.S. maritime media ‘Offshore Energy’ and Norwegian shipping publication ‘TradeWinds’ on the 4th, HD KSOE has signed a shipbuilding contract with UK-based Purus Marine for one 180,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier.
The new vessel will be equipped with an advanced LNG dual-fuel propulsion system and optimized to use boil-off gas (BOG) as fuel. Utilizing BOG for fuel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25% and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional fuel-powered ships.
The ship will be constructed at HD Hyundai Samho and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027. The newbuild will be chartered long-term to an energy company.
Purus Marine stated, “This new vessel order highlights our company’s ongoing commitment to realizing the clean energy transition.”
Established in 2019, Purus Marine is backed by global hedge fund manager EnTrust Global.
With this order, HD KSOE has secured a total of 10 gas carriers from Purus Marine. In addition to this latest contract, the company previously signed deals with Purus Marine for nine other gas carriers.
Purus Marine has ordered two 45,000-cubic-meter medium-sized gas carriers (MGCs) from HD KSOE, capable of transporting dual-fuel ammonia. The contract is valued at $143.42 million, and the vessels will be built by HD Hyundai Mipo for delivery by May 31, 2027. With this order, Purus Marine’s total MGC orders at HD Hyundai Mipo have increased to six. Four were previously ordered in 2023 at $69 million per vessel.
Purus Marine has also ordered three very large ethane carriers (VLECs) from HD KSOE. In 2023, the company placed orders for two 98,000-cubic-meter VLECs worth a total of $340 million, followed by an additional vessel last year. The VLECs will be built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for delivery in 2027.
HD KSOE continues to dominate the global LNG carrier market with its proprietary technologies, including cryogenic storage solutions and high-manganese steel. Recently, the company set a new record for the highest order price in its history after securing a $280.07 million deal for one LNG carrier from an Asian shipping firm.
