Hyundai shipyard completes construction of world's largest LPG carrier

By Lim Chang-won Posted : July 9, 2021, 12:46 Updated : July 9, 2021, 12:46

[Courtesy of Hyundai Heavy Industries]


SEOUL -- A subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai shipbuilding group has completed the construction of the world's largest liquefied petroleum gas carrier installed with a dual-fuel propulsion system. It is equipped with an LPG fuel tank that enables the operation of about 31,700 kilometers (19,700 miles).

The vessel, ordered by China's Bank of Communications Finance Leasing, is 229.98 meters long, 36.6 meters wide and 23.6 meters high. The LPG cargo tank has a capacity of 90,000 cubic meters, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries said, adding an online ceremony for the delivery of Bellavista Explorer was held on July 9.

The new vessel's dual-fuel propulsion system can selectively use LPG and diesel fuel. Dual-fuel engines are favored in large container carriers, bulkers, tankers and cruise ships. "Orders for LPG propulsion ships are expected to increase in the future due to stricter environmental regulations," an unnamed Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries official was quoted as saying.

The shipbuilder said that Bellavista Explorer is an eco-friendly vessel capable of reducing sulfur oxides (SOx) and fine dust by 90 percent, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 50 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent.

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