Hanwha Ocean selected to build South Korea’s LNG dual-fuel research icebreaker

Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean on Wednesday (2 July) announced it has been selected as the preferred bidder to build South Korea’s next-generation research icebreaker, commissioned by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The vessel, designed for polar exploration and scientific missions, will have a gross tonnage of 16,560 tonnes. Equipped with a liquid natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel electric propulsion system and capable of breaking through 1.5-meter-thick ice in both directions, it is a Polar Class (PC) 3 vessel that can withstand temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius.

Hanwha Ocean’s next-generation icebreaking research vessel will begin design after the signing of the contract in July, with an expected completion date of December 2029 that will complement and expand South Korea’s polar research mission.

“This project marks another key milestone in our leadership in polar shipbuilding. So far, we have successfully delivered 21 icebreaking LNG carriers — the most in the world,” the company said in a social media post. 

The company recently secured a national R&D project to develop a PC2-class icebreaker capable of year-round operation in the Arctic high latitudes.

“The Arctic is rapidly emerging as more than just a new shipping route — it’s becoming a strategic arena for resources, logistics, and technological leadership. We are moving swiftly to cultivate the icebreaker sector as one of our future growth drivers,” Hanwha Ocean added. 

Photo credit: Hanwha Ocean
Published: 4 July, 2025