Posco’s high manganese steel to be used to make the world’s largest LNG-fueled bulk carrier

South Korea’s steelmaking giant Posco announced on Wednesday that the high-performance

manganese steel the company has developed will be applied to the world’s largest liquefied natural

gas (LNG)-fueled bulk carrier that is being built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.

The bulk carrier, scheduled to be completed late next year, will carry a fuel tank made of high

manganese steel. The ship would have the world’s biggest capacity of 50,000 tons and be fueled

both by bunker C oil and LNG.

The high manganese steel to be used in the LNG fuel tank contains 20 percent of manganese and is

capable of storing LNG at ultra-low temperature of 162 degrees Celsius below zero. It has higher

strength and cryogenic toughness than nickel and aluminum alloy that typically makes tanks and yet

costs cheaper, according to Posco.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires that only nickel alloy, stainless steel, 9%

nickel steel and aluminum alloy to be used in construction of LNG fuel tank and pipe. Hyundai Mipo

Dockyard plans to apply for permission with shipping authorities in Korea and Britain for use of high

manganese steel for shipbuilding. An official from Posco said global demand would spike once the

material is approved.

NGS INDIA