In response to the expanding global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, South Korea's plant and shipbuilding industries are enhancing their LNG technology portfolios. Samsung E&A has unveiled a modular package designed to shorten construction periods for LNG liquefaction plants, while Hanwha Ocean showcased new technologies related to standard floating LNG production facilities (FLNG) and LNG-powered vessels.
According to industry sources, Samsung E&A and Hanwha Ocean presented their latest LNG technologies and development achievements at Gastech 2026, the world's largest gas and energy exhibition, held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Samsung E&A introduced its 'LNG Module Package,' specifically designed for LNG liquefaction plant construction. This solution combines Honeywell Technologies' AP-SMR liquefaction technology with Samsung E&A's modular design and execution capabilities, targeting small to medium-sized LNG liquefaction plants.
The package features pre-designed and modularized key processes, which aim to reduce the duration of the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases from the initial development stage. Samsung E&A estimates that this approach could shorten overall project timelines by approximately 20%.
This year, Samsung E&A has restructured its business portfolio to focus on chemical, advanced industries, and new energy, identifying LNG as a key growth area. The company has since secured contracts for the basic design of an LNG plant in Indonesia and conceptual design projects in North America.
A Samsung E&A representative stated, "By combining proven process technologies with our modular execution capabilities, we aim to reduce project timelines and lower uncertainties in project execution. We will actively respond to the growing demand for modularization in LNG plants and strengthen collaboration with clients from the early stages of projects to expand our participation in the LNG sector."
Hanwha Ocean also made significant announcements at Gastech regarding its technological advancements in FLNG and LNG-powered vessels. The company received concept approval (AIP) for its standard FLNG design from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Norwegian classification society DNV. The goal is to enhance project execution efficiency by utilizing a repeatable standard platform to reduce initial engineering timelines.
Additionally, Hanwha Ocean's high-manganese steel cargo tank 'Mactive,' designed for 100,000 cubic meter very large ethane carriers (VLEC), has received AIP from Lloyd's Register (LR). The company also completed a joint development project with DNV for next-generation high-pressure LNG fuel tanks, increasing the allowable pressure for LNG-powered container ship fuel tanks from a maximum of 0.7 barg to 2.0 barg.
Furthermore, Hanwha Ocean is pursuing new research and development initiatives related to LNG. The company is collaborating with LR to extend the internal inspection cycle for LNG carrier cargo tanks from the current five years to a maximum of 7.5 years, and has begun developing an 18,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel with the Korean Register (KR).
A Hanwha Ocean representative remarked, "We are continuously expanding our technology portfolio to respond to diverse market demands. Based on our differentiated research and development and engineering capabilities, we will provide optimal future marine solutions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.