DSME successfully tests LNG bunkering in its dockyard

Industry

Published: 26 Nov. 2020, 17:41

DSME successfully tests LNG bunkering in its dockyard

A bunkering vessel loading liquefied natural gas to a ship for transportation at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering’s dockyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang. [DSME]

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has successfully tested a process that allows the shipbuilder to load liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a vessel within its own dockyard.

LNG is normally loaded to a ship at an LNG terminal — in Korea they are in in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi; Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang; and Samcheok, Gangwon — meaning that a shipbuilder has to sail the ship to the terminal in order to transfer LNG. DSME said it is the first company in the world to successfully test the procedure within a dockyard.

The successful test means DSME will be able to transfer LNG using a smaller bunkering vessel at its own dockyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang, which could be especially helpful when it is difficult to book the LNG terminal.

DSME says this is meaningful as demand for LNG delivery and the number of vessels running on LNG have increased in line with the eco-friendly trend.

DSME is in the process of being acquired by Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. It is waiting for approval from Korea’s Fair Trade Commission and authorities from their business jurisdictions, including the European Union, Japan and China.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]