DNV, Korea Gas sign agreement for feasibility study on LNG bunkering infrastructure in Korea

Norway-based DNV has signed an agreement with Korea Gas (KOGAS) to jointly conduct a feasibility study to set up an LNG bunkering infrastructure in Korea.

As part of the deal, DNV will carry out a qualitative and quantitative feasibility study to implement LNG bunkering in ports in the south-eastern area of Pusan and western area of Incheon and Pyeongtaek.

The DNV Clean Technology Centre in Singapore will provide support to DNV Korea senior customer service manager Dr. Sun Il Yoo in leading the project.

To undertake the feasibility study, KOGAS has formed a consortium with Kyungnam Energy in the south-eastern area and with Samchully in the western area.

Under the project, DNV will try to identify Korea’s commercial opportunities related to LNG distribution and shipping, address LNG supply chains and infrastructures and technologies related to LNG shipping and bunkering; plus identify standards, regulations and issues related to public acceptance.

KOGAS vice president and R&D division head Yang, Young Myung said that the company has previously cooperated with DNV on R&D and health, safety, environmental and quality (HSEQ) management.

"We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership, to which DNV can bring its risk-analysis expertise in the LNG sector, and especially in the LNG bunkering field, and help us to take this LNG bunkering project one step closer to reality," he added.

DNV Korea and Japan regional manager Jon Rysst said that the company is the first classification society to present guidelines on LNG-fuelled vessels, and has also introduced pioneering LNG shipping concepts.

In May 2012, KOGAS formed a LNG bunkering consultative group to build an LNG bunkering infrastructure, develop an LNG propulsion ship and improve the gas supply in coastal and insular areas.