DNV awards GASA to HHI for New LNG carrier with three cargo tanks: Innovating for the future

Houston, 19th September 2024: DNV has granted a General Approval for Ship Application (GASA) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for their new LNG carrier design. The new design has been developed to offer enhanced cargo capacity, improved operational efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs.

A key design innovation is a streamlined configuration with three instead of four cargo tanks. This is intended to maximize cargo capacity and reduce the number of pump towers and associated cryogenic equipment, such as liquid and gas domes, valves, and piping. As a result, maintenance costs are expected to be minimized, offering substantial savings over the vessel’s operational life.

Jae Jun Jung, Head of Initial Design Office, Executive Vice President of HHI stated: “The approved design leverages cutting-edge technology solutions aimed at enhancing profitability and operational efficiency. By expanding the application of proven technologies, HHI has successfully maximized cargo capacity while maintaining the traditional hull design, ensuring vessels remain highly competitive.”

Vidar Dolonen, DNV’s Regional Manager for Korea and Japan, added: "We are very pleased to be working with HHI to approve this design. The GASA reflects HHI's dedication to finding solutions that drive towards improved sustainability and efficiency and their commitment to delivering innovations that are built on the strongest expertise, rigorous class rules and the relevant industry standards.”

Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry said: "This multi-stakeholder project demonstrates that international collaboration can pave the way for approval of innovative design solutions and thereby lead to improved efficiency and cost reduction. Congratulations to HHI for this excellent achievement. The Liberian Registry is proud to have contributed to this successful project."

In addition, HHI’s implementation of GTT's Mark III Flex technology can reduce the daily boil-off rate from 0.085% to 0.08%, which is anticipated to result in a decrease in electricity consumption of the cargo handling system, including the reliquefaction plant, thereby contributing to reducing OPEX. Furthermore, it is expected that cargo unloading operation time will be unchanged by maintaining an arrangement of two cargo pumps with increased capacity per pump tower.