Hyundai MIPO to build world’s largest LNG fueled bulker

JULY 8, 2016 —  Korean steel giant POSCO is teaming with shipbuilder Hyundai MIPO Dockyard to build what will be the world’s largest LNG-fueled bulk carrier thus far.

The 50,000 dwt ship will be used to carry limestone from Gangwon-do to POSCO’s Gwangyang works from 2018.

It will have an energy-efficient, eco-friendly dual-fuel-capable engine that can use both bunker C oil and LNG.

The ship will make use of POSCO’s high manganese steel for its fuel tank. As this steel contains about 20% manganese, it can store LNG at the extremely low temperature of -162℃. POSCO says that the steel is superior to the alloy materials, such as nickel and aluminum, used for the in existing tanks in terms of yield strength, extremely low-temperature toughness and price.

“Since the ship will be designed for sailing across the ocean according to IFG Code (International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels),” says POSCO, “the high manganese steel is expected to have a better chance at being selected as a material for extremely low temperatures by the International Maritime Organization once the ship enters service.”