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On April 14, 2025, Solvang marked a historic milestone with the steel-cutting of the first two Panamax VLGCs (Hulls 3458 and 3459) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Ulsan, South Korea.
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The 88,000 cbm vessels, set for 2026 delivery, will be OCCS-ready, equipped with Solvang’s advanced total emission control system including low-pressure EGR, hybrid scrubbers, and WESP filters.
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Featuring a flexible single-fuel system, the ships can operate on conventional fuels, biofuels, or e-fuels while meeting stringent greenhouse gas emission regulations.
April 14, 2025, was a defining moment in Solvang’s sustainability journey as steel was cut for the first two vessels in its latest Panamax Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) newbuilding series. The ceremony took place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea—the designated construction site for all seven ships in the series scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027.
Advanced Design for Future Compliance
Hulls 3458 and 3459, both boasting a cargo capacity of 88,000 cubic meters, are on track for delivery in 2026. These new buildings will feature cutting-edge ECO hull designs and will fully integrate Solvang’s proprietary ECO package to enhance energy efficiency and performance.
Each vessel is OCCS-ready, incorporating Solvang’s comprehensive onboard carbon capture system. This includes low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a hybrid Wärtsilä scrubber system with both open and closed-loop water treatment, and a Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) capable of eliminating up to 95% of particulate matter from the exhaust stream. To accommodate the emission control technology, the ships will include an additional deck for CO₂ storage tanks, expanded auxiliary engine and boiler capacity, and extra accommodation for personnel.
Flexible and Future-Ready Fuel Configuration
In a departure from the dual-fuel trend, these vessels will utilize a single-liquid fuel system engineered for compatibility with various fuel types, ranging from heavy fuel oil (HFO), marine gas oil (MGO), and low-sulphur fuel oils, to biofuels and future e-fuels.
“This generation of VLGCs is purpose-built to meet stringent GHG emission standards using onboard carbon capture solutions,” said Solvang’s Fleet Director Tor Øyvind Ask. “They preserve the efficiency of conventional fuel operations while offering the flexibility to transition to zero-emission fuels when needed.”
Solvang’s investment signals a strong commitment to environmentally responsible shipping, blending compliance with innovation as it prepares for a decarbonized maritime future.
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Source: Solvangship
