The naming ceremony has been held for Hanwha Shipping’s Elandra K2, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) built to ABS Class at Hanwha Ocean’s Okpo Shipyard near Busan, South Korea, with Catherine Sagar, spouse of Hanwha Shipping CEO James Sagar, serving as vessel sponsor at the event.

The Elandra K2 is the first of three 320,000-DWT VLCCs under construction for Hanwha Shipping at the Okpo facility. The second vessel in the series, the Elandra Kunlun (H5520), is scheduled for delivery in December 2026, with the Elandra Kilimanjaro (H5521) to follow in February 2027.

The Elandra K2 holds a series of ABS Fuel Ready Level 1C notations covering ammonia, LNG and methanol, providing a pathway to alternative fuel adoption as regulations evolve.

Matthew Mueller, ABS Vice President, North Pacific Business Development, commented: “Hanwha Shipping has taken a deliberate approach to how these vessels are designed and equipped, from multi-fuel readiness to integrated cyber resilience built in from the construction stage. ABS has worked closely with the Hanwha team throughout this process, and the naming of the Elandra K2 is a milestone we’re proud to be part of. We look forward to supporting the delivery of the full series.”

Charles Salmon, Chief Operating Officer of Hanwha Shipping, said: “The delivery of the Elandra K2 is a major moment for Hanwha Shipping as we celebrate our first ship on the water. We are thrilled to share this moment with ABS — their hard work and professionalism have been invaluable to our development. We look forward to continuing and deepening our relationship in the years to come.”