Hyundai Heavy Gets AIP from DNV GL for New LPG Carrier Design

Classification society DNV GL has awarded South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) with an approval in principle (AIP) for the design of a very large liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier.

The AIP certificate for the 91,000 cubic meter dual-fuel vessel design was presented during the Gastech trade fair being held in Houston.

“We are particularly proud to receive this certificate as the 91,000 cbm carrier design lays the groundwork for constructing the largest-sized vessels using LPG cargo as a fuel today,” Hyung Kwan Kim, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at HHI, commented.

Today, with shipping companies facing ever-stricter emission rules, LNG is the alternative fuel of choice for more than 350 vessels worldwide, while LPG as a ship fuel has been adopted by only a limited number of vessels yet. However, LPG could be a compelling option as its energy and capital costs are relatively low, while also serving as a possible precursor to run on zero-carbon ammonia.

Furthermore, an LPG dual fuel vessel design with an engine mounted shaft generator (EMG) can minimize cargo loss and decrease operational costs as well as CO2 emissions by reducing running hours of diesel generator engines burning fuel oil.

“HHI’s innovative design is doing a great deal to expand the industry’s operational experience with LPG technology,” Johan Petter Tutturen, DNV GL Business Director Gas Carriers, said.

The award ceremony in Houston is the culmination of a series of in-depth joint research projects on LPG technology by HHI and DNV GL.