K Shipbuilding and LR explore ethanol’s commercial potential in next-generation tanker design
K Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register (LR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an ethanol-fuelled 50,000 dwt Medium Range (MR) tanker. Announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, the joint development project will assess the technical feasibility, safety and regulatory compliance of a new ethanol-fuelled tanker design, with the objective of achieving Approval ...
K Shipbuilding and Lloyd's Register (LR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing an ethanol-fueled 50,000 dwt Medium Range (MR) tanker. The joint development project aims to evaluate the technical, safety, and regulatory aspects of a new ethanol-fueled tanker design, with the goal of obtaining Approval in Principle (AiP) from LR and creating a competitive vessel concept for the global product tanker market.
Lloyd's Register will conduct technical reviews, while K Shipbuilding will lead the vessel design and development. Theo Kourmpelis, Global Business Director for tankers at LR, explained that ethanol is already a familiar cargo in the product tanker trades, making the MR segment an ideal place to assess it as a fuel. As ethanol production and seaborne trade continue to grow, owners in these trades can better evaluate ethanol's role onboard.
Andy McKeran, Chief Growth Officer at LR, emphasized that shipping's energy transition will require a range of fuel options and confidence in implementing emerging technologies safely and efficiently. Tae-Hyun Koh, Chief Technology Officer at K Shipbuilding, stated that the collaboration aims to develop a practical and competitive ethanol-fueled MR tanker design that meets operational and market requirements.
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