HANJIN HEAVY INDUSTRIES

- Targets advanced eco-friendly ship markets, including dual-fuel, methanol-fueled, and hydrogen vessels

- Signing of MOU for joint development between HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) and Lloyd's Register (LR)
 (Photo description) From left to right, Kim Bo-eon (HJSC Executive Director of Technical Sales) and Kim Young-doo (LR Global Technical Support Office Representative for Korea)

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from Lloyd's Register (LR) for its design concept of an 88,000㎥ next-generation eco-friendly very large ammonia carrier (VLAC).

The multinational shipbuilder signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LR in July to jointly develop the next-generation VLAC and has since devoted nearly six months to intensive research and development.

Ammonia, a clean alternative fuel with zero carbon dioxide emissions, is gaining attention as a suitable ship fuel for a carbon-free future, alongside hydrogen. In particular, as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially committed to achieving zero carbon emissions from ships by 2050 under its net-zero initiative, the transition to a carbon-free society is accelerating. This is expected to drive an increase in orders for ammonia carriers and vessels using ammonia as a primary fuel.

The South Korean shipbuilding company, leveraging its expertise gained through research and development of eco-friendly vessels such as LNG DF and methanol-powered container ships, has successfully received certification for the basic and structural design of the 88,000㎥ next-generation VLAC. This design meets all the load conditions required by the classification society.

The global shipbuilder also carried out Type-A tank design work, utilizing low-temperature steel to minimize the occurrence of cracks, which is essential given ammonia's characteristics. LR has verified the design's suitability, structural safety, and compliance with international regulations.

The nation's shipbuilding frontrunner plans to actively respond to the growing demand in the decarbonized ship market through this concept design approval. With the future commercialization of ammonia-fueled propulsion engines for ships, the company is preparing for increased order demands by planning the further development of ammonia-powered carriers.

Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC, stated, “The development of eco-friendly fuel-powered container ships to respond to the IMO's ‘2050 Carbon Zero’ initiative has led to successful orders and gained positive market feedback.” He continued, “Through ongoing research and development of decarbonized ships, including carbon capture and storage technology, hydrogen vessels, and liquefied CO2 carriers, we will secure our technological expertise and continue to lead the eco-friendly ship market.”