DNV will class shipowner Purus’ two newbuild very large ethane carriers (VLECs).
The vessels have been contracted at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea and scheduled for delivery in 2026-27.
The new ships will have a cargo-carrying capacity of 98,000 cubic metres.
They will be fitted with GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system.
The vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel ethane engines and optimised cargo-handling systems to reduce emissions. They will also be EEDI Phase III compliant.
Once delivered, the VLECs will transport ethane on long-haul trade routes from the US to Europe and Asia.
DNV regional manager South East Asia, Pacific and India Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria 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.”
DNV global business director gas carriers and FSRUs Martin Cartwright said: “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.”
