Lloyd’s Register approves Hyundai Mipo Dockyard’s 45,000cbm liquefied petroleum gas carrier design in principle

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted approval in principle (AIP) to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for its 45,000m³ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier design, with availability to be ordered with ammonia dual-fueled propulsion.

According to LR, the dual-fuel system equipped on HMD’s LPG carrier enables operators and owners to prioritize their environmental, societal and governance (ESG) strategies for their fleets and align with the IMO’s revised goal of net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.

The design incorporates three prismatic type A tanks, a reliquefaction plant, an ammonia dual-fueled engine with fitting, a liquid fuel supply system, fire-fighting equipment and a water spray system. The vessel is focused on verifying safety issues related to ammonia.

As part of the project, HMD, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and LR completed a feasibility study for the application of the ammonia (NH₃) fuel system through a comprehensive certification process, to ensure that the system complies with the existing IGC code. LR issued the AiP following a drawing appraisal per applicable LR class rules and guidance and related international regulations and standards.

Andy McKeran, chief commercial officer at Lloyd’s Register, said, “We are delighted to continue our strong relationship with HMD with the granting of this approval in principle. The gas sector retains an important role in the maritime energy transition, and ensuring supply demands can be met with new vessels is key. It is also crucial that we look beyond the short term and ensure that the global fleet is equipped with the capability to transition to green future fuel usage, with vessels like HMD’s dual-fueled LPGC offering shipowners a credible option for decarbonization.”

Chail-il Kim, senior vice president of Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, said, “We forecast that ammonia dual-fueled vessels will be widely adopted by the marine market as a substitute for conventional fuels in accordance with recently strengthened IMO GHG reduction, and our design will timely respond to market demand for ammonia duel-fueled vessels in the future. As a first mover in the initial ammonia dual-fueled vessel, HMD will continuously endeavor to improve our design with LR.”

Tom Blenk, the Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator, said, “The RMI Maritime Administrator has no objection to the proposed design concept of the ammonia 45,000cbm LPG carrier and is pleased to be involved in this project. The advancement of new technologies in the maritime energy sector is a necessary step toward ensuring that transition to a greener future. It was a pleasure to work with LR during the feasibility study and we look forward to continuing this relationship with future projects.”

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