On May 6, the ministry said in a statement, a steel cutting ceremony was held to mark the construction of the 500 cubic meter capacity LNG bunkering barge for coastal use.
For South Korea this will be a first, as the vessel features only local technology.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2021, which will also feature LNG-powered propulsion.
After one year of sea trials it will commence LNG bunkering operations in 2023.
According to the government, the LNG bunkering barge would be able to supply over five coastal vessels at a single fee.
Korean Register gave South Korea's Trans Gas Solution approval in principle last year for their 500 cbm LNG bunkering barge concept.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries finances the production while the project is led by the Korea Ships & Ocean Engineering Research Institute (KRISO).
In addition to KRIS0, the project participants include POSCO steel manufacturer, EK Heavy Industries shipbuilder, Mytec pressure vessel builder and Valmax developer of LNG fueling station.
Maritime Business World