Samsung Heavy Industries Handpicks GTT for LNG Vessel’s Tank Design

Why It Matters

The deal strengthens GTT’s foothold in the fast‑growing Asian LNG market and signals shipowners’ demand for advanced, low‑emission carrier technology.

Key Takeaways

• GTT wins 174,000 cbm LNG carrier tank design for Samsung Heavy.
• Design uses GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane containment system.
• Vessel slated for delivery in 2029, supporting Asian gas imports.
• Order follows recent contracts with China’s Hudong‑Zhonghua shipyard.
• Strengthens GTT’s foothold in the fast‑growing Asian LNG market.

Pulse Analysis

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is entering a new growth phase, driven by Europe’s energy transition and Asia’s rising demand for cleaner fuel. To meet longer voyages and higher cargo volumes, shipowners are turning to ultra‑large LNG carriers (ULNGCs) that can transport 150,000 to 180,000 cubic meters of gas. Membrane containment systems, pioneered by Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), remain the industry standard because they combine low boil‑off rates with flexible hull integration, enabling shipyards to build lighter, more efficient vessels.

Samsung Heavy Industries announced the selection of GTT to design the cryogenic tanks for a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier slated for 2029 delivery. The vessel will employ GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane system, a next‑generation design that offers higher thermal efficiency and reduced structural weight compared with earlier generations. Secured in Q1 2026, the contract follows GTT’s recent win of four tank‑design jobs with China’s Hudong‑Zhonghua shipyard, underscoring the French firm’s momentum in the Asian shipbuilding corridor.

The deal highlights the strategic importance of membrane technology as Asian shipowners prioritize vessels that can lower fuel consumption and meet tightening emissions regulations. By securing back‑to‑back projects in South Korea and China, GTT not only diversifies its order book but also reinforces its bargaining power with major shipyards, potentially accelerating the rollout of its Mark III Flex across the next generation of ULNGCs. Analysts expect the increased capacity to support Asia’s projected LNG imports of over 100 million tonnes per year by 2030, cementing GTT’s role as a critical enabler of the global energy transition. The partnership also signals confidence in GTT’s ability to meet tighter delivery schedules.