South Korea’s KSS Line has moved to expand its LPG carrier fleet, placing an order for three very large gas carriers (VLGCs) in a deal worth around $342m. The owner has contracted HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), with construction to be handled by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The 90,000 cu m vessels are due for delivery in stages starting in the first quarter of 2029. KSS Line has already secured long-term time charter cover for all three ships. Two of the vessels will be fixed to BGN Group, while the third will be chartered to GYXIS Corporation. The charters with BGN Group run for seven years and are valued at around KRW514.3bn ($350m) in total, strengthening an existing relationship between the two companies following the early renewal of contracts for six VLGCs earlier this year. The deal with GYXIS covers a five-year period and is worth about KRW185.2bn ($126m). KSS Line said the newbuildings form part of its ongoing fleet renewal and expansion strategy, aimed at strengthening its position in the global LPG shipping market. The company has been steadily building up its gas carrier portfolio in recent years, ordering eight newbuilds between 2019 and 2021. For HD KSOE, the contract adds to a solid run of orders in 2026, with the group having secured deals for 86 vessels worth roughly $9.35bn so far this year, including a significant number of gas carriers. Separately, fellow shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has booked a KRW507.4bn order for three very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) for an Africa-based owner, with deliveries stretching through January 2030. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsSouth Korea