Conrad, Samsung Heavy Industries receive ABS AiP for LNG bunkering ATB

Conrad Shipyard and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received approval in principle (AiP) from ABS for the design of a 12,000-cu.-meter LNG bunkering articulated tug-barge (ATB).

The vessel concept is intended for construction in the U.S. and is part of an ongoing collaboration between Morgan City, La.-based Conrad and South Korea-based SHI to develop LNG bunkering vessels for the U.S. market.

The companies announced the ABS approval in conjunction with the July 23 opening of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) in Washington, D.C. The center was established to support cooperation between the U.S. and South Korean shipbuilding industries.

The AiP represents a design-stage review by ABS and indicates that the proposed ATB concept complies with applicable class requirements at its current stage of development.

Conrad and SHI previously established a cooperation framework focused on LNG bunkering vessel development. The 12,000-cu.-meter ATB design advances that effort with a vessel concept aimed at supporting LNG fuel delivery and bunkering operations in the U.S. maritime market.

"This achievement reflects Conrad's commitment to combining proven shipbuilding expertise with innovative engineering and strong strategic partnerships," said Cecil Hernandez, president and CEO of Conrad Shipyard. "By collaborating with global technology leaders while building capability here in the United States, we continue to strengthen American shipbuilding and advance practical solutions for the evolving needs of the maritime industry."