South Koreas steelmaking giant Posco, with branches in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Uruguay and the US, recently announced that the high-performance manganese steel the company has developed will be applied to the worlds 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 worlds 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, while remaining more affordable, according to Posco.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires that only nickel alloy, stainless steel, 9% nickel steel and aluminum alloy be used in the 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.