ABS Joins Hanwha Shipping for Naming Ceremony of First VLCC in New Fleet

ABS collaborated with Hanwha Shipping for the naming ceremony of the first vessel in their new fleet, the ELANDRA K2, an impressive 320,000-dwt very large crude carrier (VLCC) constructed at Hanwha Ocean’s Okpo Shipyard. The vessel is the inaugural ship in Hanwha Shipping’s new fleet, with Catherine Sagar, spouse of Hanwha Shipping CEO James Sagar, serving as the vessel sponsor.

The ELANDRA K2 represents the first of three 320,000-dwt VLCCs being built for Hanwha Shipping, with the subsequent ships, ELANDRA KUNLUN and ELANDRA KILIMANJARO, scheduled for delivery in December 2026 and February 2027, respectively.

ABS and Hanwha Shipping have worked closely together throughout the design and construction of the ELANDRA K2, focusing on multi-fuel readiness and integrated cyber resilience. The vessel has received ABS Fuel Ready Level 1C notations, enabling it to accommodate various alternative fuels such as ammonia, LNG, and methanol. This aligns with Hanwha Shipping's proactive approach to adapting to evolving regulations.

The ELANDRA K2 also boasts a state-of-the-art cyber resilience framework, building upon the first ABS approval in principle for a vessel under the IACS UR E26 framework. This framework was granted to Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean at the Gastech 2025 event. Matthew Mueller, ABS Vice President of North Pacific Business Development, expressed pride in participating in the naming ceremony, highlighting the vessel's significance as Hanwha Shipping's first ship on the water.

Charles Salmon, Hanwha Shipping's Chief Operating Officer, voiced enthusiasm about the ELANDRA K2's delivery, crediting ABS for their invaluable partnership. He looks forward to strengthening their relationship in the years to come. ABS continues to be at the forefront of advancing cyber resilience across the global shipping fleet.