Norwegian shipowner Knutsen has been linked to a KRW 363.2bn ($244m) order for one LNG carrier at Hanwha Ocean, extending its LNG newbuilding programme at the South Korean yard, according to Hanwha Ocean’s regulatory filing.
Hanwha Ocean said the contract was signed with an unnamed European shipping company. The vessel is due for delivery by 15 June 2029.
The buyer was not named in the filing, leaving Knutsen’s role unconfirmed by the yard. Market and shipbuilding sources have tied the order to the Norwegian owner.
The order follows Knutsen’s December agreement for seven 174,000-cbm LNG carriers at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje yard, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2029. Those vessels are backed by long-term charter agreements with European energy companies.
Hanwha Ocean has booked 19 vessels worth about $3.44bn this year, including five LNG carriers, 10 VLCCs, three very large ammonia carriers and one wind turbine installation vessel.
Knutsen Group is a privately held Norwegian shipping group active in LNG shipping, shuttle tankers and other energy-related maritime transport.
Hanwha Ocean Co is a South Korean shipbuilding company formed after Hanwha Group’s acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Its official business covers commercial vessels, offshore units and specialised ships.
