Samsung Heavy Ind. has successfully constructed the world's largest New Membrane-type LNG carrier, which is the largest single hull-form vessel in the world, lighter and faster than the existing LNG vessels and has a price equivalent to 10 freighters ($220 million).
This vessel measures 278.8m in length, 42.6m in width and 26.0 m in depth, and navigates at 20.7 knots. It is the largest single hull-form vessel in the world and can carry 138,378 cbm of natural gas. It weighs 13% less than the standard membrane-type LNG vessel. Samsung Heavy Industries reduced the cargo-hold insulation plate with a high-tech method to 250mm, half the thickness of the existing record of 530mm. SHI used Korea-made stainless materials that are more durable than nickel alloy steel and halved the welding area in order to reduce operation (fuel) as well as construction costs.