Hanwha Shipping has held the naming ceremony for Elandra K2, the first vessel in its new fleet.
The 320,000 dwt very large crude carrier was built to ABS class at Hanwha Ocean’s Okpo Shipyard.
Catherine Sagar, spouse of Hanwha Shipping CEO James Sagar, served as the vessel’s sponsor.
First of three VLCCs
Elandra K2 is the first of three 320,000 dwt VLCCs under construction for Hanwha Shipping.
Elandra Kunlun, hull number H5520, is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. Elandra Kilimanjaro, hull number H5521, will follow in February 2027.
“Hanwha Shipping has taken a deliberate approach to how these vessels are designed and equipped, from multi-fuel readiness to integrated cyber resilience built in from the construction stage,” said Matthew Mueller, Vice President of North Pacific Business Development at ABS.
“ABS has worked closely with the Hanwha team throughout this process, and the naming of Elandra K2 is a milestone we’re proud to be part of. We look forward to supporting the delivery of the full series,” he added.
Alternative fuel readiness
Elandra K2 holds several ABS Fuel Ready Level 1C notations covering ammonia, LNG and methanol.
These notations provide a pathway for the vessel to adopt alternative fuels as regulations evolve.
Its cyber resilience framework builds on the first ABS approval in principle awarded to an operating vessel design under the IACS UR E26 framework.
ABS granted the approval to Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean at Gastech 2025.
“The delivery of Elandra K2 is a major moment for Hanwha Shipping as we celebrate our first ship on the water,” said Charles Salmon, Chief Operating Officer of Hanwha Shipping.
“We are thrilled to share this moment with ABS. Their hard work and professionalism have been invaluable to our development. We look forward to continuing and deepening our relationship in the years to come,” he added.
