HD Hyundai Heavy Industries advances LNG carrier designs

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has achieved two significant technical milestones in the development of advanced LNG carrier designs.

DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a new 271,000 CBM LNG carrier design. This vessel represents the company’s largest LNGC design to date, optimizing the Q-Max class dimensions to maximize cargo capacity while remaining capable of transiting both the Suez and Panama canals. The design incorporates AI-powered technologies for voyage support and energy optimization, an IMO NOx Tier III compliant dual fuel propulsion system, and an optimized hull form featuring energy-saving devices such as the Hi-ARS air resistance saver.

Separately, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted a Design Appraisal for an LNG carrier concept designed to integrate four Wind Challenger sails developed by Mitsui O. S. K. Lines (MOL). The design features a forward-positioned accommodation block and bridge to create deck space for the wind-assisted propulsion system. This technology aims to reduce fuel consumption and engine power requirements by utilizing wind power. The project involved technical assessments of vessel stability, structural loads, and navigational visibility to ensure compliance with Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems notation.