HANJIN HEAVY INDUSTRIES

- Obtains approval in principle (AIP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR), accelerating development of eco-friendly ship and energy transport technologies

- AIP certificate presentation ceremony between HJSC and Lloyd’s Register
[From left, fourth: Kim Yeong-doo, Global Technical Support Office (GTSO) Representative for Korea at Lloyd’s Register;

fifth: Kim Bo-eon, Executive Director of Technical Sales Division, HJSC]

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has received Approval in Principle (AIP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) in the United Kingdom for the basic design of a 45,000㎥ class medium-sized LPG/ammonia carrier.

With this milestone, HJSC has successfully completed the development of its new 45,000㎥ LPG/ammonia carrier, expanding its existing lineup that includes 38,000㎥ LPG carriers and 88,000㎥ very large ammonia carriers (VLACs). This achievement enables the company to respond flexibly to evolving market demands with a comprehensive portfolio of gas carrier designs.

As global demand for gas carriers continues to rise and new vessel types emerge in line with market trends, HJSC and Lloyd’s Register signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) in July to co-develop the LPG/ammonia carrier. Over the following four months, both parties conducted intensive joint research and design verification.

For the project, the multinational shipbuilder applied structural optimization and low-temperature steel to the Type-A cargo tank design to ensure safe and efficient transport of both LPG and ammonia. Lloyd’s Register carried out thorough design verification and structural safety assessments for the vessel and its tanks before issuing the AIP.

The vessel measures 190 meters in length and 30.6 meters in breadth, with a cargo capacity of 45,000㎥. It is capable of carrying a wide range of liquefied gases—including propane, butane, ammonia, and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)—providing exceptional operational flexibility for shipowners.

In particular, the global shipbuilding company incorporated advanced safety features to address ammonia’s toxicity and corrosiveness, such as leakage detection systems, automatic ventilation controls, and low-temperature steel to minimize the risk of cracking. The vessel fully complies with LR’s rigorous technical and safety standards as well as the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s IGC Code governing gas carriers.

Beyond this latest development, HJSC continues to enhance its technological competitiveness through ongoing R&D on eco-friendly vessels, including methanol-fueled ships, dual-fuel vessels, hydrogen carriers, and ammonia-fueled ships.

An HJSC official commented, “Receiving AIP from the globally renowned Lloyd’s Register reaffirms our design expertise and technological excellence.” He added, “We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness through continuous innovation and actively lead the decarbonization and eco-friendly ship markets.”