GasTech 2026 Sees Deals for New Vessel Designs and Wind-Assisted Propulsion

The global gas industry's GasTech 2026 meeting in Bangkok has produced a wave of vessel contracts, technology partnerships and development agreements spanning autonomous navigation, wind-assisted propulsion and new gas carrier designs. The deals reflect the sector's twin focus on decarbonisation and preparing for forthcoming regulations. Announcements ranged from autonomous and wind-assisted LNG carriers to a liquefied CO2 carrier design, alternative-fuel vessels and continuous emissions monitoring, involving major shipbuilders, classification societies and technology providers.

 

Autonomous and Wind-Assisted LNG Carriers

 

Autonomous navigation featured prominently at the event. HD Hyundai Samho, Avikus and ClassNK agreed to develop an autonomous design. This covers a large LNG carrier under construction. It incorporates an autonomous-navigation system. ClassNK will assess it against its guidelines.

Wind-assisted propulsion also drew attention. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and partners signed an agreement. This assesses installing rigid wing sails. These go on a large LNG carrier. The design positions the accommodation block forward to create deck space.

 

The LNG Bunkering Focus

 

LNG bunkering vessels featured in the deals. Hanwha Ocean and Korean Register signed an agreement. This develops two bunkering vessel concepts. They target growing ship-to-ship demand. This reflects the expanding LNG-fuelled fleet.

The two concepts use different tank systems. One uses a high-manganese-steel tank. The other uses independent Type-C tanks. Hanwha will lead the design. The classification society will review safety and efficiency.

 

The New Gas Carrier Designs

 

Several new gas carrier designs emerged. A liquefied CO2 carrier received approval in principle. This targets the emerging CO2 transport market. It would support carbon capture projects. Multiple Japanese companies developed it.

A mid-size LPG carrier design also gained approval. It occupies a gap between existing classes. It targets the mid-size segment. HD Hyundai developed the design. Demand is driven by expanding LPG trade.

 

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Preparing for New Regulations

 

Several deals addressed forthcoming regulations. HD Hyundai Samho and ClassNK will develop a compliant design. This incorporates amendments to a gas carrier code. The amendments are expected to enter force in 2028. Working ahead should reduce future rework.

Another deal targeted the same regulations. K Shipbuilding and partners will develop a smaller carrier. This incorporates the code amendments. It also adds energy-saving technology. This prepares the vessel for the 2028 requirements.

 

The Emissions and Fuel Deals

 

Emissions monitoring featured among the agreements. Lloyd's Register and partners launched a project. This tests continuous emissions measurement. It uses a monitoring system aboard a carrier. It will compare measured emissions with standard factors.

An alternative-fuel deal was also announced. K Shipbuilding and Lloyd's Register will develop a tanker. This would run on ethanol. It targets a medium-range product tanker. Ethanol is already familiar as a cargo in this segment.

 

The Significance of the Event

 

The deals reflect the sector's priorities. Decarbonisation runs through many agreements. Wind, autonomous and alternative fuels feature. Emissions monitoring also drew interest. These reflect a focus on cleaner shipping.

Regulatory preparation was another theme. Several deals address forthcoming code changes. Classification societies featured heavily. They provide approval and review. This positions shipbuilders ahead of coming requirements.