Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has delivered a 7,500㎥ LNG carrier equipped with Korea’s first domestically developed LNG cargo containment system, known as KC-2C.

The vessel, operated by Korea Line LNG, completed its first voyage from Tongyeong to the Aewol LNG terminal in Jeju.

SHI confirmed on 27 October that it partnered with Korea Line LNG to install the KC-2C system on a commercial carrier. The project began in August 2024 at SHI’s Geoje Shipyard, and the ship was successfully delivered after completing gas trials earlier this month.

The KC-2C cargo tank, developed by SHI, is designed to reduce reliance on foreign LNG containment technologies. It offers better insulation, airtightness, and a stronger secondary barrier to ensure safe operations at –163°C.

SHI completed mock-up testing in 2020 and built an LNG demonstration facility in 2021 to refine the KC-2C design.

The system was first installed on the LNG bunkering barge Green Nuri in 2023, which has since completed 123 bunkering operations, the highest number in Korea, proving the system’s reliability.

To increase production efficiency, SHI used its own high-speed laser welding robots for the KC-2C membrane welding process, increasing both precision and speed.

An SHI official said the successful application of KC-2C marks a major step in localising LNG cargo technology, which has traditionally relied on overseas suppliers. The company plans to use the system for future retrofits and new LNG carriers with capacities of up to 174,000㎥.

The successful delivery of the KC-2C-equipped carrier reinforces South Korea’s position as a global leader in LNG carrier construction and innovation.

Reference: samsungshi