DNV and Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas), Korea’s national gas company, will cooperate on a feasibility study on the establishment of an LNG bunkering infrastructure in Korea. This is one of the largest and most comprehensive feasibility studies ever initiated in the worldwide LNG bunkering industry.
DNV will qualitatively and quantitatively study the feasibility of implementing LNG bunkering in ports in the south-eastern area, Pusan, and western area, Incheon and Pyeongtaek. This project will be led by Dr. Sun Il Yoo, Senior Customer Service Manager in DNV Korea, who will be assisted by the DNV Clean Technology Centre in Singapore.
Consortiums
Kogas has formed consortiums with Korea’s major energy companies to carry out the feasibility study. It will be run by a consortium consisting of Kogas and Kyungnam Energy in the south-eastern area, and by a consortium consisting of Kogas and Samchully in the western area.
Commercial Opportunities
The aim is to define Korea’s commercial opportunities related to LNG distribution and shipping by addressing possible LNG supply chains and infrastructures, technologies related to LNG shipping and bunkering, standards, regulations and issues regarding public acceptance.
Becoming a Mover in LNG Bunkering
Prior to this agreement, in May 2012, Kogas formed an LNG bunkering consultative group to build an LNG bunkering infrastructure, develop an LNG propulsion ship and improve the gas supply to coastal and insular areas. The group, led by Kogas, includes Korea Gas Safety Corporation, major shipbuilders (Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Samsung Heavy Industries and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding), classification societies (DNV, LR and KR), major energy companies (POSCO, Kyungnam Energy, Samchully, SK E&S and STX Energy), a shipping company (STX Pan Ocean) and relevant industry associations. By forming this expertise group and initiating R&D projects, Kogas aims to expedite the development of LNG bunkering infrastructures and LNG bunkering vessels and make Korea one of the first movers in the global LNG bunkering industry.
Picture: Kogas' current Incheon LNG Receiving Terminal
