Revolutionizing Gas Transportation: Samsung Heavy Industries and GTT’s Ethane Carriers

Introduction

The collaboration between Samsung Heavy Industries and GTT marks a significant milestone in the shipping industry. These two companies have partnered to design the world’s largest ethane carriers, each with a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters. The vessels will be equipped with GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system, offering an optimal balance between safety, economy, and environmental sustainability. Booked in the first quarter of 2025 by Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and its subsidiary MOL Energia, these vessels will operate under a long-term charter contract with SCG Chemicals, Thailand’s largest petrochemical company Offshore Energy.

GTT’s Membrane Tank System

GTT’s membrane tank system represents a revolutionary advancement in tank design, providing several key benefits over conventional methods. This system enhances safety against hull breaching, increases carrying capacity, and improves vessel efficiency. Designed to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, it is ideal for transporting liquefied gases while reducing the risk of leaks and spills. This not only enhances safety and environmental sustainability but also improves carrying capacity, leading to lower operational costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The ethane carriers will feature a total capacity of 100,000 cubic meters each and trade various types of liquefied gases such as ethane, propane, butane, and others Info Marine.

Specifications of the Ethane Carriers

The ethane carriers, each with a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters, are designed to trade various types of liquefied gases, including ethane, ethylene, propane, butane, LPG, and propylene. This multi-gas capability makes them versatile and suitable for different market demands. Equipped with dual-fuel ethane propulsion engines, these vessels significantly reduce greenhouse gas, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to conventional heavy fuel oil vessels. This aligns with environmental sustainability goals and meets the increasing demand for cleaner energy solutions. The vessels will also feature advanced navigation and communication systems, ensuring precise control and efficient operation. Designed with robust structural integrity to withstand harsh maritime conditions, these carriers are built for reliability and longevity. The Teesside oil terminal, a major crude oil reception, processing, storage, and export facility at Seal Sands, Middlesbrough, receives and processes crude oil delivered by the subsea NORPIPE pipeline from the Norwegian Ekofisk field and the UK Fulmar and J-Block fields. The terminal includes facilities for exporting stabilized crude oil and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) by tanker and pipeline. The ethane carriers will be fitted with GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system, ensuring greater safety against hull breaching and enhancing carrying capacity Cyprus Shipping News.

Delivery and Charter Details

The ethane carriers are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027, allowing MOL Energia to commence operations as planned and ensuring a seamless transition into the gas transportation market. MOL Energia has signed a long-term charter contract with SCG Chemicals, Thailand’s largest petrochemical company, ensuring a steady supply of cargo for the ethane carriers and providing a stable revenue stream for both parties. The environmental impact and sustainability aspects of this project are noteworthy, as the use of ethane as a fuel in the propulsion engines will significantly reduce the vessels’ carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry. The efficient design and operation of the ethane carriers will minimize their ecological footprint, further aligning with global efforts to combat climate change Offshore Energy.

Conclusion

The partnership between Samsung Heavy Industries and GTT is set to revolutionize the gas transportation industry. By leveraging GTT’s advanced membrane tank technology, these ethane carriers will not only enhance safety and efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable future. The scheduled delivery in the fourth quarter of 2027 and the long-term charter contract with SCG Chemicals further solidify this collaboration’s significance.

Sources

• Offshore Energy – Samsung Heavy selects GTT tank design for three new ethane carriers
• Info Marine – Samsung Heavy selects GTT tank design for three new ethane carriers
• Cyprus Shipping News – GTT receives an order from Samsung Heavy Industries for the tank design of three new very large ethane carriers