AiP for LNG cruise bunkering

DNV and the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) have awarded approval in principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for a new 12K LNG bunkering vessel (LNGBV) designed specifically for the cruise sector.

The certificate was presented to Ryu Hong Ryeul, chief technology officer of HD HHI, by Vidar Dolonen, DNV regional manager for Korea and Japan, during a ceremony at Gastech 2026 yesterday. The vessel concept was developed to address operational and safety challenges associated with refuelling cruise ships.

“By enabling ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operations without the need for a floating pontoon, this 12K LNGBV bunkering vessel is expected to make LNG bunkering for cruise vessels more efficient and flexible,” said Ryu Hong Ryeul.

Unlike conventional bunkering vessel designs, the new concept removes bridge wings to prevent interference with cruise ships’ lifeboats during bunkering operations. The reduced side visibility is addressed through a CCTV system and HD HHI’s HiNAS SVM, which provides a 360-degree top-view augmented-reality image using multiple fish-eye cameras positioned around the vessel.

Alfonso Castillero, chief executive of the Liberian Registry, said: “The Liberian Registry is pleased to support this joint development project, which addresses the specific operational and safety considerations associated with LNG bunkering for cruise ships.”

Dolonen added: “The transition to lower-emission shipping depends not only on vessels, but also on the supporting infrastructure that enables alternative fuels to be used safely and efficiently.”

The AiP independently assesses a concept against a defined framework of requirements. It confirms design feasibility and verifies that no significant technical barriers prevent implementation.

HD HHI said the vessel could support more flexible LNG bunkering for cruise ships and conventional merchant vessels, potentially broadening operating models within the LNG bunkering market.