Conrad and SHI to explore opportunities for LNG bunkering vessels in US market

US shipbuilder Conrad Shipyard and South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) on Thursday (4 November) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalises a collaborative framework to jointly explore opportunities in the rapidly expanding US LNG bunkering market.

Under the M0U, Conrad and SHI will work together to evaluate and pursue technical, commercial, and market-based initiatives that support the design, construction, and deployment of LNG bunkering vessels tailored for U.S. regulatory and operational requirements.

The MoU is intended to combine SHI’s global expertise in advanced LNG technologies with Conrad’s proven LNG shipbuilding capabilities and domestic market access.

A representative of SHI stated, “Through this collaboration, we expect to enter the U.S. LNG bunkering market while also contributing to the revitalisation of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.”

“We are honoured to collaborate with Samsung Heavy Industries,” said Johnny Conrad, Executive Chairman, Conrad Shipyard. “This MoU reflects Conrad’s focus on driving innovation in the U.S. maritime sector and positions both organisations to develop advanced LNG bunkering vessels tailored to meet market demand.”

Conrad’s extensive experience navigating regulatory requirements associated with LNG bunkering vessel design, engineering, and construction combined with SHI’s art LNG technology will greatly enhance the US LNG market.

Photo credit: Conrad Shipyard
Published: 8 December, 2025