ABS has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Conrad Shipyard for the basic design of a 12,000-cubic-metre LNG bunkering articulated tug-barge (ATB) planned for construction in the United States.
The approval follows a memorandum of understanding between SHI and Conrad Shipyard to jointly build LNG bunkering ATBs for the U.S. market.
ABS said it completed the design review based on its class and statutory requirements.
The project is among the first initiatives launched through the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC)in Washington, D.C. The centre was established to strengthen cooperation between the South Korean and U.S. shipbuilding industries.
“LNG bunkering infrastructure has an important role to play in the evolving energy landscape, and this project is a step toward expanding that capacity in the U.S.,” said Joshua Divin, Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development at ABS.
Samsung Heavy Industries said it will contribute its LNG bunkering expertise to the project, while Conrad Shipyardhighlighted the collaboration as an opportunity to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding capabilities and support the maritime industry’s evolving needs.
