GTT Selected to Design Tanks for Four BW LNG Methane Carriers
GTT has been chosen by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering to design the tanks for four next-generation methane carriers ordered by shipowner BW LNG. These vessels feature an innovative three-tank configuration with a capacity of 177,000 m³.
A Contract for Four Methane Carriers with a Three-Tank Architecture
GTT has won the tank design contract for four methane carriers for BW LNG. Two of these ships were ordered in November 2025, and two additional units were ordered in May 2026. All will be equipped with GTT's Mark III Flex membrane containment system. The first ships will be delivered starting from the fourth quarter of 2028.
Increased Capacity and Enhanced Operational Flexibility
The three-tank design offers a cargo capacity of 177,000 m³, which is a potential increase of up to 3,000 m³ compared to a conventional four-tank methane carrier of 174,000 m³. The simplified architecture can increase the length of the tanks by up to 55%. The ships will maintain the same dimensions and terminal compatibility as standard 174,000 m³ methane carriers. Local reinforcements of the membrane will allow for the transport of all cargo volumes, providing total flexibility to charterers. This configuration is the result of a collaboration between GTT, HD KSOE, and BW LNG.
Reduced Evaporation Rate and Environmental Performance
The optimized ratio between the volume of liquefied natural gas cargo and the insulation surface increases thermal efficiency and reduces the LNG evaporation rate to 0.08% per day. This design allows for the optimization of unit transport costs and reduction of emissions. François Michel, CEO of GTT, emphasized that 'this project marks a significant advancement in the design of methane carriers, with major gains in operational efficiency and environmental performance.'
