Posted on July 27, 2026
Following announcements made during the opening of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) in Washington, D.C., Conrad Shipyard is pleased to recognize a significant milestone in its collaboration with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI): the joint receipt of Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design of a 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering articulated tug and barge (ATB). The achievement was announced as part of the July 23 KUSPC opening event attended by government and industry representatives from both the United States and Korea.
The AiP reflects the successful development of a vessel concept intended for construction in the United States and builds upon the cooperation framework established between Conrad and Samsung Heavy Industries for LNG bunkering vessel development.
“This achievement reflects Conrad’s commitment to combining proven shipbuilding expertise with innovative engineering and strong strategic partnerships,” said Cecil Hernandez, President and CEO of Conrad Shipyard. “By collaborating with global technology leaders while building capability here in the United States, we continue to strengthen American shipbuilding and advance practical solutions for the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”
The project highlights Conrad’s continued investment in forward-looking vessel technologies and reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation, workforce development, and delivering reliable solutions for commercial and government customers.
About Conrad Shipyard
Conrad Shipyard, LLC, established in 1948 and headquartered in Morgan City, Louisiana, designs, builds and overhauls a wide variety of steel marine vessels, including barges, dredges, and dredge support equipment, tugboats, ferries, tow boats, drydocks, liftboats, and other offshore supply vessels, as well as other steel products for both the commercial and government customers. Conrad provides conversion, repair, and new construction services at its five shipyards located in southern Louisiana and Texas.
