South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries booked an order from Copenhagen-based Celsius Tankers for two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, securing an option for further two vessels.
The vessels will have the capacity to transport 180,000 cubic meters of the chilled fuel, and are priced at $187 million each, SHI said on Friday.
The LNG carriers, first such vessels for Celsius Tankers, would be equipped with Mark-Ⅲ Flex type containment system with re-liquefaction capability to lower the boil-off rate.
SHI further noted it will equip the vessels with environmental and fuel-saving technologies including an optimized hull design and propulsion.
The Celsius LNG carriers will be the world’s first to be equipped with Samsung’s air lubrication system SAVER Air, the company said in its statement.
It sprays air at the bottom of the ship to form air layer between the hull surface and sea water to reduce frictional force.
SHI has previously applied the technology in 23,000 TEU mega containership order for MSC in 2017.
According to Clarksons Research, gas carrier and containership newbuilding orders are set to increase. Strong LNG carrier spot rates and increasing usage of LNG as fuel as well as gas demands in power generation point at strong LNG carrier newbuilding market for years to come.
Including 37 this year total of 194 LNG carriers are to be ordered within the next five years. A representative from Samsung Heavy said the company is looking to continue securing LNG carrier orders with more available slots.
SHI’s new order total for 2018 now stands at 31 vessels and $3.3 billion, which include 7 LNG carriers, 8 containerships, 13 tankers, and 3 special purpose ships.