SEOUL, South Korea – September 4, 2025 — In a major step towards decarbonizing global maritime logistics, SK Gas has announced that its LNG bunkering subsidiary, Eco Marine Fuel Solutions, has signed a strategic liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel supply contract with global shipping and logistics powerhouse Hyundai GLOVIS.
This landmark agreement marks a significant turning point in Korea’s efforts to lead the global transition toward cleaner marine fuels and solidifies both companies’ roles in shaping the future of sustainable shipping.
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Eco Marine Fuel Solutions to Supply LNG for Hyundai GLOVIS’s Expanding Fleet
Under the terms of the contract, Eco Marine Fuel Solutions will provide LNG bunkering services for Hyundai GLOVIS’s rapidly expanding fleet of LNG dual-fuel car carriers, reinforcing both the strategic partnership between the two companies and their shared commitment to reducing emissions in the maritime industry.
SK Gas has committed to establishing robust LNG bunkering infrastructure across key southeastern ports, including Ulsan, Busan, and Gwangyang—three of South Korea’s busiest automobile handling ports. These facilities will serve as vital hubs for efficient and secure LNG refueling operations, supporting Hyundai GLOVIS’s eco-friendly fleet.
“Decarbonization in the shipping industry is a global challenge, and building LNG bunkering infrastructure is the first step,” said Yoon Byeong-seok, CEO of SK Gas. “Through this contract, we will expand eco-friendly energy solutions and actively support the domestic shipping and logistics industry in securing global competitiveness.”
Hyundai GLOVIS Eyes 30+ LNG-Powered Vessels by 2028
Hyundai GLOVIS, one of the world’s leading automotive logistics providers, is spearheading its green transformation by planning to introduce more than 30 LNG-powered car carriers by 2028. These next-generation vessels are equipped with dual-fuel engines, allowing them to operate on both conventional marine fuel and LNG—significantly reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions.
As the fleet expands, so too will Hyundai GLOVIS’s need for a reliable, scalable bunkering partner. Eco Marine Fuel Solutions, backed by the infrastructure investment of SK Gas, is strategically positioned to meet this growing demand.
The cooperation goes beyond a fuel supply agreement—it is a cornerstone for building an integrated LNG bunkering ecosystem centered around Korea’s southeastern maritime corridor.
Global Context: LNG as the Bridge to Decarbonization
SK Gas and Hyundai GLOVIS’s partnership aligns with a rapidly evolving global shift towards LNG as a marine fuel, as shipping companies seek viable alternatives to meet IMO 2030 and 2050 emissions targets. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform, as of mid-2025:
- 590 LNG-fueled vessels are already in operation
- 564 more ships are on order globally
- 60 LNG bunkering vessels are in service (up from just 1 in 2010)
- 185 ports worldwide offer LNG bunkering services
- Another 50 ports are preparing to join by 2026
Notably, nearly one-third of all new ship orders are now LNG dual-fuel capable, underscoring the maritime industry’s confidence in LNG’s potential as a transitional fuel.
Environmental Advantages: LNG is Leading the Charge
LNG is widely regarded as the most commercially viable transition fuel available today for ocean-going vessels. Its use significantly reduces a wide range of harmful emissions compared to traditional marine fuels:
- Up to 23% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- 99% less sulfur oxides (SOx)
- 85% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Lower particulate matter (PM)
- Higher energy efficiency for long-haul voyages
These benefits make LNG an essential tool for shipowners looking to improve their environmental footprint without compromising on performance or reliability.
Positioning South Korea as a Regional LNG Bunkering Powerhouse
With this partnership, South Korea is stepping confidently into the global LNG bunkering spotlight. The Ulsan-Busan-Gwangyang corridor is expected to become a strategic LNG refueling zone not only for domestic vessels but also for international shipping traffic across Northeast Asia.
By investing in scalable infrastructure and fostering public-private collaboration, SK Gas and Hyundai GLOVIS are building the backbone for a thriving LNG bunkering ecosystem that supports Korea’s ambitions to lead in clean maritime energy.
Charting a Course Toward Cleaner Seas
The SK Gas–Hyundai GLOVIS LNG bunkering agreement is more than just a commercial deal—it is a strategic commitment to maritime sustainability. As the world demands greener supply chains and shipping operations, forward-thinking partnerships like this are essential.
With LNG infrastructure expansion accelerating globally and environmental regulations tightening, the time for scalable, reliable, and eco-friendly bunkering solutions is now. SK Gas and Hyundai GLOVIS are proving that the path to cleaner seas begins with bold action and shared vision.
About Hyundai Glovis
Hyundai Glovis, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, is a global logistics and distribution company. It offers a wide range of services, including inland, ocean, and air freight transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management. While a key player in automotive logistics, distributing finished vehicles and parts worldwide, the company is also diversifying into new business areas such as the trading of used vehicles and developing smart logistics solutions using advanced technologies like AI and big data.
About ECO Marine Fuel Solutions
ECO Marine Fuel Solutions is a key subsidiary of SK Gas focused on the rapidly growing market for LNG as a marine fuel. The company is at the forefront of establishing a comprehensive LNG bunkering ecosystem in South Korea, providing clean energy solutions for the shipping industry. Through partnerships with global logistics leaders, ECO Marine Fuel Solutions is building the necessary infrastructure and securing bunkering vessels to supply LNG to a new generation of eco-friendly ships, directly supporting the decarbonization efforts of the global maritime sector.
About SK Gas
SK Gas is a leading energy company in South Korea, primarily known for its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business. It maintains a strong supply chain for LPG import, storage, and distribution, serving diverse sectors including residential, industrial, and petrochemical industries. The company is actively expanding its business portfolio to become a comprehensive eco-friendly energy provider, with ventures into gas chemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and power generation, including combined-cycle power plants.
Source SK GAS