Hanwha Ocean to Build LNG Icebreaking Research Vessel

Hanwha Ocean has been named the preferred bidder for South Korea’s next-generation icebreaking research vessel project, commissioned by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in partnership with the Polar Research Institute, a division of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.

The vessel—intended to advance Korea’s polar research capabilities—will enter the design phase following the contract signing in July 2025, with completion targeted for December 2029. Once delivered, it will significantly bolster South Korea’s presence in Arctic and Antarctic exploration.

A New Benchmark in Polar Research

The new ship will have a gross tonnage of 16,560 tons, more than double that of its predecessor, Araon, which was built in 2009. It will be powered by an LNG dual-fuel electric propulsion system and certified as a Polar Class 3 (PC3) vessel, capable of breaking through 1.5 meters of ice in both forward and reverse. Designed for extreme environments down to -45°C, the ship will feature advanced laboratories and mission systems alongside cruise-ship-level accommodations to support long-duration missions.

Replacing Araon and Expanding Capabilities

While Araon enabled Korea’s initial foray into polar research, the growing complexity of missions, changing climate conditions, and stricter environmental regulations have made it necessary to develop a more advanced, eco-friendly platform. The new vessel is expected to expand Korea’s research scope and sustain longer, more demanding expeditions in both polar regions.

Hanwha’s Icebreaking Legacy

Hanwha Ocean has been building ice-class vessels since 2008, anticipating the rise of Arctic maritime activity. The company holds the global record for the most icebreaking LNG carriers built, with 21 delivered to date—15 in 2014 and six in 2020. Its deep experience positions it as a leader in polar-capable shipbuilding.

“This vessel represents a completely new generation of icebreaking research platforms,” said a Hanwha Ocean official. “It showcases our core competencies as a global top-tier shipyard.”

Eyes on the Future

As the Arctic continues to thaw, opening new routes and opportunities for resource extraction, logistics, and geopolitical activity, Hanwha Ocean sees icebreaking technology as a critical growth engine.

“With our proven capabilities and world-class icebreaking technology, we are fully committed to delivering this next-generation vessel,” said Hojoong Kim, Senior Vice President of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship Business. “This project will further establish Hanwha Ocean’s global leadership in advanced marine solutions and meet the rising demand for ice-capable vessels.”