GTT and Hanwha Ocean: A Strategic Partnership in LNG Vessel Design

In a significant move for the maritime energy sector, French technological containment specialist Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) has been contracted by South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean shipyard. This collaboration focuses on the design of a state-of-the-art tank for a new liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC), reflecting the growing demand for innovative solutions in the transport of natural gas.

The Request: A New LNG Carrier

Recently, GTT received an order from Hanwha Ocean in the second quarter of 2026. The project involves crafting a tank design for one new LNG carrier, on behalf of an undisclosed European shipowner. This venture presents an exciting opportunity for both companies, enhancing GTT’s footprint in the LNG market while allowing Hanwha Ocean to expand its portfolio of advanced shipbuilding projects.

Tank Specifications and Technology

One of the highlights of this collaboration is the design of cryogenic tanks offering an impressive total capacity of 174,000 cubic meters (cbm). These tanks are crucial for maintaining the low temperatures required to keep liquefied natural gas in its liquid state. GTT will employ its innovative NO96 Super+ membrane containment system, renowned for its efficiency and reliability in LNG storage.

Timeline and Future Outlook

The delivery of this advanced LNG vessel is slated for the third quarter of 2029. This timeline gives both companies a robust window for research, design refinement, and collaboration to ensure that the vessel meets the highest industry standards.

GTT’s Growing Influence in LNG Shipbuilding

This order follows a series of recent accomplishments for GTT, including multiple tank design jobs for LNG carriers with leading firms such as HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Hanwha Ocean. These developments underscore GTT’s expanding role as a leader in the technological containment space, further solidifying its reputation within the global maritime industry.

Why LNG Carriers Matter

LNG carriers are pivotal in the global energy supply chain, enabling countries to import natural gas in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. The increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions has amplified the importance of LNG as a transition fuel. Carriers equipped with cutting-edge technology like that provided by GTT are essential for safely transporting this critical energy resource.

Collaborative Innovation

The partnership between GTT and Hanwha Ocean signifies not just a contract but also a collaborative spirit driving technological innovation in the maritime sector. The integration of GTT’s advanced containment technology with Hanwha’s shipbuilding expertise heralds a new era for LNG transportation, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Through initiatives like this, stakeholders in the maritime energy sector are not only meeting present demands but also paving the way for a more sustainable future. The design and construction of LNG carriers are crucial steps in this ongoing journey.

This partnership represents much more than just a singular project; it embodies the aspirations of both companies to lead in a rapidly evolving industry. The focus remains on crafting vessels that not only meet current demands but set the stage for future advancements in liquefied gas transportation technology.