Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Achieves Localization of Key Equipment for LNG Carriers with Partners

Collaboration with Domestic SMEs
Joint Development of High-Pressure Pumps for LNG Carriers
Win-Win Cooperation Among Research Institutes, Large and SMEs
Durability Testing Completed, Leading Co-Growth

At the Energy Testing Center of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, stakeholders from various fields are taking a commemorative photo after completing the durability test of the domestically produced high-pressure pump for LNG carriers. Photo by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) announced on the 26th that it has succeeded in the localization of core equipment for LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers in collaboration with small and medium-sized partner companies and research institutes.

DSME, which possesses outstanding technological capabilities in the LNG carrier sector, announced that it has successfully completed the durability test of a high-pressure pump for LNG carriers developed and manufactured together with the small and medium-sized partner company Hyupsung Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. This pump passed the final test before being installed on an actual vessel.

The high-pressure pump for LNG carriers is a key piece of equipment that supplies high-pressure fuel to the natural gas propulsion engine (ME-GI engine), which has recently gained attention due to strengthened environmental regulations. Previously, all such products were imported from countries like the United States and France. The localization of this product is expected to significantly contribute not only to delivery times but also to cost reduction.

This test, the first successful one in Korea, is significant as it greatly contributed to the co-growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and the strengthening of domestic LNG-related technological capabilities. In the development and testing of this pump, DSME provided specialized LNG-related technology and testing equipment at the Energy Testing Center, the industry's first integrated LNG-related testing facility. The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering established the testing procedures and conducted the durability test evaluations. DSME described this achievement as "a remarkable success achieved through a win-win cooperation between large and small-medium enterprises during the research period."

The test included a 24-hour continuous operation test over approximately two months and a failure-free lifespan test, verifying the durability of major components and the safety of long-term equipment operation. As a result, it can now guarantee 4,000 hours of continuous operation, equivalent to existing overseas pumps.

A DSME official stated, "Through the localization of core equipment for ships, we will enhance technological and price competitiveness in the market, contribute to improving order competitiveness, open export routes for equipment, and strive for the growth and development of domestic small and medium-sized equipment companies."

Meanwhile, DSME is also in the process of obtaining type approval from global classification societies such as KR (Korean Register) and DNV (Norwegian Classification Society) separately from the durability test for the technical certification of the high-pressure pump for LNG carriers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.