Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) has signed a contract to build a 50,000 dwt bulk carrier with Ilshin Logistics.
The ship represents a significant step-up for the industry as it is the largest bulk carrier ever ordered to use LNG as fuel. When delivered in the fourth quarter of 2017, the ship will transport limestone cargoes in the Korean coastal trade for steelmaker Posco. Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the Korean Register (KR) will provide dual classification and certification, verifying compliance with the International Gas Fuel (IGF) Code.
New Type of Cryogenic Steel
The new type of cryogenic steel, developed by Posco, is high in manganese and will be used for the 500 m3 capacity Type ‘C’ LNG fuel tank, located on the aft mooring deck. The properties and characteristics of the high-manganese steel, as well as the required welding technology, have been proven suitable for cryogenic applications.
Posco has already received the approval for high-manganese steel and its welding consumables from LR and other classification societies. This steel is cost competitive against conventional high-nickel equivalents and can be expected to help reduce capital costs in LNG-fuelled and LNG carrier systems.
