On February 4, France’s GTT announced it has signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to jointly develop a 102,000 m³ Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) utilizing GTT’s Mark III Slim™ membrane containment system. This initiative will advance the integrated optimization of membrane-type liquid cargo tanks, thereby enhancing hull design and overall vessel performance.
GTT’s Mark III Slim™ technology, an ethane-optimised cargo containment system, offers a more compact design, based on a thinner membrane, simplified anchoring arrangements and lighter panels and caissons. These features enable naval architecture optimisation, supporting further innovation in vessel hull design.
The JDP will focus on improving the VLEC’s hull geometry based on GTT’s membrane technology integration, aiming to enhance transport energy efficiency through improved hydrodynamic performance. Combined with an increase in cargo capacity enabled by the Mark III Slim™ technology, this integrated approach is expected to contribute to reduced fuel consumption and a reduction in CO₂ emissions per ton of ethane transported.
François Michel, CEO of GTT, commented: “For decades, GTT has been at the forefront of innovation in liquefied gas transport. Through this Joint Development Project with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, we reaffirm our ambition to support more efficient vessels, in line with the technical, economic and environmental challenges currently shaping the maritime industry.”
Dong Jin Lee, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, added: “As the ethane market continues to scale, leadership will be defined by the ability to innovate and partner effectively. By bringing together HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipbuilding capabilities and GTT’s membrane technology expertise we strengthen our ability to deliver the next generation of high-performance VLECs, offering ship-owners and operators increasingly energy-efficient solutions.”