HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), a leading South Korean shipbuilder specializing in high-tech, eco-friendly vessels, has kicked off 2025 with a major milestone, securing a contract valued at KRW 127.1 billion (approximately USD 87.4 million) to build an 18,000㎥ LNG bunkering vessel for H-Line Shipping. This order reaffirms HJSC’s reputation as a world-class builder of LNG bunkering ships and highlights its commitment to advancing eco-friendly vessel technology.
Strengthening LNG Bunkering Capabilities
The new vessel will measure 144 meters in length, 25.2 meters in width, and 12.8 meters in depth, with the capacity to supply up to 18,000㎥ of LNG in a single operation. It will feature two independent LNG tanks certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and a dual-fuel propulsion system, allowing it to operate on both LNG and marine diesel oil. This ensures high efficiency, operational stability, and significant reductions in carbon emissions.
LNG bunkering vessels like this one play a critical role in supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels. While many LNG-powered ships refuel via onshore storage tanks, ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering enables vessels to receive fuel at sea, reducing port congestion and increasing operational flexibility.
Expanding Market for LNG Bunkering
HJSC’s latest order comes amid increasing demand for LNG-fueled ships and the growing importance of LNG as a transitional marine fuel. According to TotalEnergies Marine Fuels, global LNG bunkering demand is expected to rise from 400,000 tons per year in 2017 to 10 million tons per year by 2025. This demand surge is being driven by stricter emissions regulations and the shipping industry’s push toward decarbonization.
Additionally, the global market for LNG carriers and bunkering vessels is expected to expand further, particularly with geopolitical shifts, such as the potential resumption of U.S. LNG exports under a second Trump administration. South Korea’s shipbuilding industry remains highly competitive in this sector, leveraging its advanced technology and expertise in high-value, environmentally friendly vessels.
HJSC’s Legacy in LNG Bunkering
This is not HJSC’s first achievement in LNG bunkering. In 2014, the company delivered the world’s first 5,100㎥ LNG bunkering vessel to Japan’s NYK Line. Later, in 2017, it built the ENGIE Zeebrugge, the world’s first universal LNG bunkering vessel, which significantly improved LNG fuel supply flexibility by enabling ship-to-ship bunkering.
HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol commented on the new contract, stating, “As global LNG demand and supply continue to grow, the LNG bunkering vessel market will see steady expansion. We will focus on strengthening our expertise in building eco-friendly, high-value-added ships, securing a competitive edge that aligns with our legacy as a leader in shipbuilding.”
About HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC)
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) is a leading South Korean shipbuilder specializing in high-tech, eco-friendly vessels. With a strong track record in LNG bunkering ships, naval ships, and commercial vessels, HJSC continues to drive innovation in the global maritime industry. The company is committed to advancing green shipping technologies and maintaining its position as a top-tier shipyard in the transition toward sustainable marine fuels.