DNV Enters Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC) Market with Purus’ Eco-Friendly Vessels

(IN BRIEF) DNV, a prominent classification society, has secured a contract to oversee the construction of two innovative Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) for Purus, a ship owner. These VLECs, built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, are set to be delivered in 2026-2027. With a cargo capacity of 98,000 cubic meters, the vessels will feature advanced technologies to reduce emissions, comply with EEDI Phase III standards, and transport ethane on long-haul routes from the United States to Europe and Asia. DNV’s expertise in gas carriers aligns with Purus’ commitment to environmentally friendly vessels.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 16-Jan-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, a leading provider of software solutions for the maritime industry, and a global leader in maritime classification, has been chosen to oversee the construction of two groundbreaking Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs) for ship owner Purus. The VLECs are slated for delivery in 2026-2027 and will be built at South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). These eco-friendly vessels, with a cargo capacity of 98,000cbm, will feature GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system, dual-fuel ethane engines, and advanced cargo handling systems to reduce emissions, ensuring compliance with EEDI Phase III standards. Once operational, they will transport ethane across long-haul routes from the United States to Europe and Asia. DNV’s expertise in gas carriers and maritime technology aligns perfectly with Purus’ commitment to environmentally responsible vessel development and stringent industry standards.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV said, “We are honoured by Purus’ confidence in selecting us for the technical supervision and classification of their innovative newbuilds. Drawing on our decades of experience in gas carriers and maritime technology, DNV brings a distinct advantage to the development of environmentally friendly vessels that adhere to stringent industry standards.”

Martin Cartwright, DNV’s Global Business Director for Gas Carriers & FSRUs, remarked,  “This is an exciting time for DNV to enter the VLEC market, with the rising demand for ethylene and ethanol-blended petrol to reduce carbon emissions. Our partnership with Purus and HHI underscores DNV’s dedication to fostering a greener and more efficient future for the maritime industry in line with the IMO’s emission targets.”

VLECs are specialized vessels designed to transport significant quantities of ethane, a key gas in the petrochemical industry, facilitating its movement from production sites to processing facilities and end-users, thereby playing a vital role in the global energy and chemical supply chain.

Media contact:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime
Phone: +47 47 68 22 89
margrethe.andersen@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV AS