HD Hyundai, GTT and LR team up on ultra‑large ethane carrier design

They will assess cargo containment safety and classification for the vessel concept.

Lloyd's Register (LR), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and GTT have signed a joint development project (JDP) agreement to develop and technically assess a 150,000-cubic metre ultra-large ethane carrier (ULEC).

Announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the vessel concept will incorporate GTT’s Mark III Slim design.

The project will combine HD HHI's shipbuilding expertise, GTT's cargo containment technology, and LR's classification and technical assurance capabilities to develop and review the vessel design in accordance with LR Rules.

The concept is the largest vessel design for the ethane carrier segment, LR said.

“As the ethane trade expands, owners are looking for larger and more efficient vessel concepts that can deliver operational and commercial advantages without compromising safety or reliability,” said Constantinos Chaelis, Global Gas Segment Director at LR.

The JDP will have the partners evaluate the technical challenges and opportunities associated with scaling ethane carrier capacity to 150,000 cubic metres.

“The project will focus on vessel design development, cargo containment integration, safety considerations, and compliance with applicable classification and regulatory requirements,” LR said.

It added that the collaboration aims to establish a robust technical foundation for future ULEC projects, whilst providing greater understanding of the design, operational, and safety considerations associated with vessels of this scale.

GTT said its Mark III Slim system can increase cargo capacity and shorten vessel construction times.

“Furthermore, this project is anticipated to represent an important milestone in establishing a new paradigm for ship design through the application of the latest cargo containment system,” said Hongryeul Ryu, Chief Technology Officer at HD HHI.