Korea Tackles French Giant GTT with New LNG Tank Tech Partnership

South Korea is reviving its long-running ambition to reduce dependence on French technology in liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank design. The government has announced that state-owned KOGAS, along with HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries, will partner to commercialize a new Korean cargo containment system (CCS). This move aims to save shipbuilders billions of won in annual royalty payments currently paid to French giant GTT.

The joint effort seeks to develop and commercialize the homegrown CCS technology by 2026. This ambitious project comes as part of the government's broader restructuring efforts, which include merging state-run institutions and relocating administrative offices out of Seoul.

KOGAS, HD Hyundai, and Samsung Heavy Industries will work together to overcome the technical challenges associated with developing a new CCS system. The success of this project could significantly reduce Korea's reliance on foreign technology in the LNG industry.