Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued approval in principle (AiP) for a new LNG bunkering vessel design intended for construction in the United States, according to Ship & Bunker.
The design covers a 12,000 m3 LNG bunkering articulated tug and barge (ATB), jointly developed by US-based Conrad Shipyard and South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), Ship & Bunker reports, citing a joint press release from the two companies.
Announcement Tied to New Shipbuilding Partnership Center
According to Ship & Bunker, the approval was announced during the opening of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) in Washington. The vessel is planned to be built in the US as part of the ongoing partnership between Conrad Shipyard and SHI.
Cecil Hernandez, President and CEO of Conrad Shipyard, said the achievement reflects “Conrad’s commitment to combining proven shipbuilding expertise with innovative engineering and strong strategic partnerships,” as quoted by Ship & Bunker.
No further details on the vessel’s expected delivery timeline, cost, or intended charterer were included in the source material.
Does This Matter to You?
The development of new LNG bunkering tonnage designed and built in the US signals continued investment in domestic LNG bunkering infrastructure, according to the source material. Vessel operators and bunker buyers tracking the expansion of LNG as a marine fuel option in American waters may find this relevant, as additional bunkering capacity could support growing demand for LNG refueling services along US coastlines.
The collaboration between a US shipyard and a major South Korean shipbuilder, formalized through the newly opened KUSPC, may also be of interest to those monitoring shipbuilding partnerships and domestic construction capabilities for specialized fuel-supply vessels. However, the source material does not provide details on delivery schedules, deployment regions, or commercial arrangements, so the direct operational impact for bunkering markets is not yet clear.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
