Hanwha Ocean reports completion of the world’s first ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of LNG between vessels during sea trials.
The operation — which according to images provided by the South Korean shipbuilder, appears to have involved the 92,600 DWT LNG tanker Maran Gas Syros and the 93,900 DWT LNG tanker Woodside Jirrubakura — is said to reduce environmental impact whilst addressing schedule delays caused by terminal congestion.
Under traditional methods, LNG carriers conducting gas trials must first load LNG from a terminal and then return any remaining fuel after the trials are complete. Hanwha Ocean’s approach enables LNG to be transferred directly to another vessel under trial at sea in a move designed to improve efficiency and flexibility.
The development follows what Hanwha Ocean describes as the world’s first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation within a shipyard, demonstrating the company’s focus on gas trial technologies.
“At Hanwha Ocean, we will continue to drive innovation and lead the path toward a more sustainable maritime future,” the company stated.
The innovation is designed to address operational challenges in the LNG shipping sector, where terminal availability and scheduling constraints can impact vessel testing programs. By enabling direct transfers between vessels at sea, it potentially reduces the need for multiple terminal visits during the gas trial process.
Hanwha Ocean has positioned itself as a specialist in LNG carrier construction and related technologies. The company recently became the first to deliver its 200th LNG carrier, in February 2025.
The latest ship-to-ship transfer development represents an extension of the company’s expertise in maritime gas handling.
