Published : Nov. 21, 2013 - 19:55
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, one of Korea’s top three shipbuilders, once again won an order to build a liquefied natural gas carrier, incorporating a patented high-tension gas feeder.
DSME signed a deal to deliver an LNG carrier ― 173,400 cubic meters and $200 million ― for a U.S.-based customer by 2017, company officials said Thursday.
This deal was an extension of a former similar deal, which stated that the corresponding customer may order four additional LNG carriers of the kind.
Upon this new deal, the company not only marked its fifth LNG carrier order this year but also secured all of the natural gas-fueled LNG carrier orders in the global market.
DSME’s incoming LNG carrier is to feature an environment-friendly gas engine (ME-GI engine), manufactured by the world’s largest ship engine-maker MAN Diesel & Turbo, as well as DSME’s patented high-tension gas feeder, according to officials.
“These LNG carriers, displaying the most cutting-edge technologies of the shipbuilding sector, are 20 percent more fuel-efficient than conventional LNG carriers,” a company official explained.
By using LNG as main fuel, these ships will also emit 30 percent less pollution such as carbon dioxide, nitrogenous compounds and sulfur compounds, he added.
“The development of the unique high-tension gas feeder has helped us gain an initiative in the eco-friendly LNG ship market,” said the official.
Neither of DSME’s local rivals ― Hyundai Heavy Industries or Samsung Heavy Industries ― currently possesses a patent in the corresponding technology, he explained.
“Thanks to its economic feasibility and environmental performance, LNG is regarded as the champion of clean energy sources,” the official said.
Adding up to the $1 billion which it has already achieved in the LNG sector this year, DSME is also eyeing a bid in the so-called Yamal project, a $20 billion plan which includes up to $5.6 billion in investment for an LNG transportation plan in Western Siberia.
Novatek, Russia’s state-run gas provider and implementer of the project, selected DSME earlier this year as a preferred bidder for 16 LNG carriers.
By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)