Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a significant contract by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to supply integrated technology packages for nine new Dynamic Positioning (DP) Shuttle Tankers. The vessels are being constructed for Greek shipowner Tsakos Group and will be a bare-boat charter by Brazilian energy logistics company Transpetro, supporting offshore operations in Brazil’s pre-salt oil fields. Dynamic offshore conditions Each of the nine vessels will be equipped with a comprehensive suite of Kongsberg Maritime systems, reflecting the complex operational profile of shuttle tankers operating far from shore. The scope of supply includes the K-Pos DP2 system ensuring precise station-keeping capabilities in dynamic offshore conditions. Kongsberg Maritime will also deliver its K-IMS Information Management System and the K-Chief Integrated Automation System, providing centralised control and monitoring of vessel operations. AutoChief 600 propulsion control system Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) shaftline with an 8.6m propeller is also part of the Kongsberg Maritime delivery To support propulsion and power management, the vessels will feature the AutoChief 600 propulsion control system, while the K-Gauge (CLS) tank level gauging system will ensure accurate and reliable cargo monitoring. A complete single Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) shaftline with an 8.6m propeller is also part of the Kongsberg Maritime delivery. Together, these systems form a fully integrated solution designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental performance across the fleet. Integrated technology “This contract highlights the strength of our integrated technology offering and our ability to support complex offshore operations with reliable, efficient, and future-ready solutions,” said Tommy Andree Hove, Sales Director - Advanced Offshore Units, Kongsberg Maritime. “We are proud to collaborate with SHI, Tsakos, and Transpetro on this strategically important project.” Construction of the vessels will take place at SHI’s shipyard in South Korea, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.

In a major step towards more efficient offshore operations, Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) and ABB have signed an agreement to equip a fleet of shuttle tankers with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform. Engineered to optimise fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and enable a flexible integration of energy sources, the technology will be the heart of the integrated power system specified for nine newbuild vessels. Fleet of new vessels The fleet of new vessels will be deployed under bareboat charter to service Brazil's offshore sector The selection of ABB’s technology was driven by the expectations of prioritised efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility, as well as adherence to strict industry standards. The fleet of new vessels will be deployed under bareboat charter to service Brazil's offshore sector. The vessels are due for delivery starting in 2027. Integration for energy distribution For ABB, the contract marks the largest order to date for Onboard DC Grid™ in the shuttle tanker segment, underscoring the growing demand for highly customisable, future-ready power solutions in commercial shipping. The project also highlights the power system platform’s ability to deliver high redundancy and seamless integration for energy distribution in low-voltage installations, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of merchant vessels. Advanced DP2 shuttle tankers ABB’s comprehensive system integration delivery will also include remote diagnostic support “This is an important contract for ABB and a further step forward for our longstanding collaboration with Samsung Heavy Industries,” said Michael Christensen, Global Segment Responsible for Cargo Vessels, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “We would like to thank all stakeholders for selecting Onboard DC Grid™ as the best fit for these advanced DP2 shuttle tankers. We look forward to delivering the solution which enables simple and flexible integration of energy sources, and variable speed control across every motor on the ship to maximise overall efficiency.” Onboard DC Grid™ system platform ABB’s comprehensive system integration delivery will also include remote diagnostic support, as well as site support and commissioning for all nine shuttle tankers. The highly fault-tolerant Onboard DC Grid™ system platform carries the latest DNV Closed Bus-Tie Notation DYNPOS(AUTR-CBT). Its use of high-quality components and an autonomous sub-system design philosophy ensures enhanced safety, extended maintenance intervals, and reductions in both fuel consumption and emissions-related costs.

KR (Korean Register) has officially launched a joint working group to establish international standards for the safe discharge of toxic ammonia effluent generated from ammonia-fueled ships. The initiative brings together Korean major shipbuilders—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), and Hanwha Ocean—as well as the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR), a national certification body.  Zero-carbon alternative fuel Ammonia is gaining global attention as a promising zero-carbon alternative fuel Ammonia is gaining global attention as a promising zero-carbon alternative fuel. However, due to its high toxicity and potential risks to the marine environment, specific international safety standards for its use are urgently needed. In particular, there are currently no established guidelines for managing the ammonia effluent generated from wet treatment systems on ammonia-fueled vessels, creating significant technical and operational uncertainty in ship design and operation.  Ammonia effluent from ships The joint working group aims to develop international standards for the storage, treatment, and discharge of ammonia effluent from ships and formally propose them to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Korean government.  This initiative follows a 2024 proposal to the IMO by KR, in cooperation with the Korean government, which first raised the need to develop guidelines for the management of ammonia effluent from ammonia-fueled ships. Draft guidelines to the IMO in 2026 The joint working group plans to submit draft guidelines to the IMO in 2026 The proposal was officially approved at the 83rd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) in April 2025. The joint working group plans to submit draft guidelines to the IMO in 2026 and spearhead international discussions on the matter.  Kim Taesung, Director General at KTR, stated, “We will provide highly reliable scientific data to support the development of standards for ammonia effluent management, and actively cooperate to enhance the global competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding and shipping industries.”  International standards for ammonia-fueled vessels Park Sangmin, Senior Vice President of HD KSOE Green Energy Research Lab, remarked, “The working group will serve as a catalyst to advance international standards for ammonia-fueled vessels. HD Hyundai will leverage its experience in building the world’s first ammonia-fueled ship to continue leading the global market.”  Lee Hoki, Director of Samsung Heavy Industries, commented, “This initiative will lay the foundation for the full-scale commercialisation of ammonia fuel. SHI will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to reinforce Korea’s status as a pioneering shipbuilding nation.”  Development of international safety standards Choi Younghwan, Team Pioneer of Hanwha Ocean, said, “Establishing ammonia effluent standards in a timely manner will bolster Korea’s leadership in the shipbuilding and maritime sectors. Hanwha Ocean is committed to proactive technology development and regulatory preparedness.”  Kim Kyungbok, Executive Vice President of KR, concluded, “This joint working group is a pivotal milestone of the maritime and shipbuilding industries joining forces to lead the development of international safety standards based on advanced technological capabilities. KR will continue to support the development and international standardisation of safety regulations for alternative fuels in close cooperation with the Korean government.”