DNV to class Purus’ first VLEC new-builds

DNV has been selected to class ship owner Purus’ new building order of two Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC). The vessels have been contracted at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea and are scheduled for delivery in 2026-2027.

With a cargo carrying capacity of 98,000 cbm, the two VLECs will be fitted with GTT’s Mark III membrane containment system. The vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel ethane engines and optimized cargo handling systems to reduce emissions and will also be EEDI Phase III compliant. Once delivered, the VLECs will transport ethane on long-haul trade routes from the United States to Europe and Asia.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India, Maritime at DNV said, “We are honored by Purus' confidence in selecting us for the technical supervision and classification of their innovative new builds. Drawing on our decades of experience in gas carriers and maritime technology, DNV brings a distinct advantage to the development of environmentally friendly vessels that adhere to stringent industry standards.”

Martin Cartwright, DNV’s Global Business Director, Gas Carriers & FSRUs, added: “This is an exciting time for DNV to enter the VLEC market, with the rising demand for ethylene and ethanol-blended petrol to reduce carbon emissions. Our partnership with Purus and HHI underscores DNV’s dedication to fostering a greener and more efficient future for the maritime industry in line with the IMO’s emission targets.”

VLECs are specialized vessels designed for the transportation of large volumes of ethane, a gas commonly used as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry. They play a crucial role in the global energy and chemical supply chain, facilitating the transport of ethane from production sources to processing facilities or end-users.