Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) - Experts & Thought Leaders

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. Maximising cargo capacity A key design innovation is a streamlined configuration with three instead of four cargo tanks. This is intended to maximise 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 minimised, offering substantial savings over the vessel’s operational life. Profitability and operational efficiency Jae Jun Jung, Head of the Initial Design Office, and Executive Vice President of HHI, stated, "The approved design leverages cutting-edge technology solutions aimed at enhancing profitability and operational efficiency." Jae Jun Jung adds, "By expanding the application of proven technologies, HHI has successfully maximised cargo capacity, while maintaining the traditional hull design, ensuring vessels remain highly competitive." Sustainable solutions Vidar Dolonen, DNV’s Regional Manager for Korea and Japan, stated, "We are very pleased to be working with HHI to approve this design." Vidar Dolonen adds, "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." Cost savings 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." Thomas Klenum adds, "Congratulations to HHI for this excellent achievement. The Liberian Registry is proud to have contributed to this successful project." Decreased electricity consumption 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.

At Posidonia 2024, ABS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (HD KSOE); HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Co., Ltd. (HHI); and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to collaborate on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to eliminate ship safety blind spots. Situational awareness The MOU aims to use advanced technologies to increase the situational awareness of seafarers. The techniques could ultimately support increased autonomy on board. Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said, "Safety is at the heart of everything we do at ABS and this project holds significant potential for advancing the cause of safety at sea."  Design assessment ABS will be able to support the project on design assessment, new technology qualification, and approval in principle Christopher J. Wiernicki adds, "Enabling AI support of seafarers for high fidelity, 360-degree visibility of an asset is potentially a game-changer." Under the agreement, ABS will be able to support the project on design assessment, new technology qualification, and approval in principle as well as the development of rule guidance to provide clear directives on technical requirements, safety standards, and regulatory compliance. AI-based autonomous navigation solutions  Jang Gwang-pil, Vice President of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, said, "This agreement is of great significance in that AI-based autonomous navigation solutions and institutional automation solutions, which have been developed by HD Hyundai, have taken a leap from the stage of being applied to ships in stages, and have been able to research to improve the structure of ships using AI technology." Jang Gwang-pil adds, "We will take the lead in developing new types of ships, while improving the safety of ships and sailors through advanced technology development." Digital and AI technologies LISCR Chief Executive Officer, Alfonso Castileo, said, "It is an honour to have the world’s best shipyard, the world’s best classification company, and the world’s best flag administration come together to begin the development of a new era and new ship." Alfonso Castileo adds, "The Liberia Flag Authority will continue to develop digital and AI technologies. We will actively cooperate with HD Hyundai for this purpose."

DNV has presented HD Hyundai with a general approval for ship application (GASA) for a new high-strength composite hybrid support system for independent tanks on liquefied gas carriers.  In a world-first, HD Hyundai’s concept is fabricated with a fusion of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) with a tensile strength ten times greater than steel, significantly enhancing structural stability. Existing support structure The new system offers robust structural supports, enabling independent tanks to withstand The new system offers robust structural supports, enabling independent tanks to withstand upward force from floatation in case of hold space flooded. Designed jointly by Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Mipo dockyard, and approved by DNV and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the concept allows for reallocating of the existing support structure layout, minimising the need for high-risk work and inspections. Lee Hyun-Ho, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Maritime Research Institute at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said: "This is the result of another effort to apply composites to shipbuilding. It is expected to contribute to the competitiveness and safety of vessels with independent tanks and generate more orders as the design can be easily constructed.” Innovation in the maritime sector Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Regulatory Affairs at LISCR, added: “This innovation is a great achievement and demonstrates HHI, KSEO, and HMD’s dedication to performance, safety, and continuous improvement. The Liberian Registry is proud to have collaborated closely on this project with HD Hyundai and DNV." Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager, Korea & Japan, said: "DNV is very pleased to be supporting forward-looking partners like HD Hyundai on this exciting project. The use of new materials in this concept shows how continuous technological innovation in the maritime sector can enhance shipping’s drive to be even more efficient, improve safety, and enhance the structural stability of vessels."