Samsung Heavy to Build Two LNG Carriers for Celsius Tankers

South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has secured a contract for the construction of two 180,000 cbm LNG carriers for Denmark’s Celsius Tankers. 

In addition, the contract includes two options.

Celsius Tankers, which will pay USD 187 million for each of the vessels, is making its entry into the LNG business with this order.

As explained, the LNG carriers will be equipped with Mark-Ⅲ Flex type containment system with re-liquefaction to lower BOR. The vessels will be also equipped for environmental regulations such as SCR and BWTS.

They will also feature fuel-saving saving technologies including optimized hull design and propulsion customized for the owners’ operational needs.

According to the shipbuilder, Celsius newbuildings will be the world’s first LNG carriers to be equipped with Samsung’s air lubrication system SAVER Air.

Air lubrication systems are energy saving equipment that spray 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 SAVER 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 with a steady global economy and seaborne trade growth. 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.

“SHI would continue to secure LNGC orders with more available slots and technological edge,” a SHI representative said.

SHI’s orderbook for 2018 now stands at 31 vessels and USD 3.3 billion, including seven LNG carriers, eight containerships, thirteen tankers, and three special purpose ships.