Gas Gong, World's First Successful 'Ship-to-Ship LNG Loading Demonstration Test'

Bunkering and Cargo Ship 'Jeju LNG 2nd Vessel' Deployed for Trial STS LNG Loading

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chae-seok] Korea Gas Corporation has successfully completed the world's first ship-to-ship (STS) LNG loading demonstration test for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

On the 26th, Gas Corporation announced that the test was completed at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's Okpo Shipyard.

Gas Corporation, together with Korean Register, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, and Korea Shipping Corporation, conducted preliminary preparations including risk analysis, procedure manuals, and equipment installation. From the 24th, the entire STS LNG loading process was safely carried out over three days.

The Jeju No. 2 vessel involved in the test loaded LNG at the Tongyeong base on the 24th, entered Okpo Shipyard, connected LNG hoses to the commissioning vessel, performed gas displacement and cooling, loaded approximately 2,000 tons of LNG, and completed the STS LNG loading operation on the same day.

Gas Corporation stated that through this test, a foundation was established for LNG transfer between vessels domestically.

With increased winter supply volumes, the burden on commissioning vessel terminals had grown, but this is expected to be alleviated, enabling timely delivery of LNG carriers.

Recently, there have been many variables such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s sulfur content regulations for ship fuels and the amendment of the 'City Gas Business Act' establishing natural gas operators for ships.

Amid these changes, Gas Corporation has completed the first verification of STS operational know-how and technical safety. This is expected to have a positive impact on the LNG bunkering business of its subsidiary to be established next year.

A Gas Corporation official said, "By successfully conducting the STS LNG loading demonstration test, we can expect the activation of the domestic LNG bunkering business, improvement of air quality, and an increase in orders for LNG-powered ships."