South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has achieved a global first by completing a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between two vessels undergoing sea trials.

The company said the operation, carried out in early October, is a major step forward for LNG handling and testing. This new method allows LNG to be transferred directly between ships at sea, removing the need for carriers to rely on onshore terminals for fuelling and offloading during trial phases.

Previously, LNG carriers had to load fuel from a terminal before trials and return any leftover LNG afterwards. Hanwha Ocean’s innovative system removes this step, reducing schedule delays caused by terminal congestion and lowering the overall environmental impact of such operations.

The achievement follows the company’s earlier success in conducting the world’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation inside a shipyard.

Industry experts say these achievements show Hanwha Ocean’s growing technical capability and commitment to developing solutions that enhance operational flexibility for LNG carriers.

Hanwha Ocean said it will continue developing sustainable and efficient shipbuilding solutions, aiming to lead innovation in the maritime sector.

Reference: Hanwha Ocean

Source: www.marineinsight.com