Liberian Registry advances maritime innovation

The Liberian Registry showcased its Innovation & Energy Transition Team’s work at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, highlighting six collaborative maritime projects designed to advance new technologies and support the sector’s energy transition.

Three approval in principle (AiP) ceremonies and three joint development project (JDP) memorandum of understanding (MoU) signings were held with shipowners, shipyards, designers, classification societies and technology providers.

Alfonso Castillero, chief executive of the Liberian Registry, said: “The six ceremonies at Gastech demonstrated the strength of early collaboration between shipyards, owners, class, technology providers and flag.”

The AiP ceremonies covered three technologies developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The Liberian Registry and Lloyd’s Register presented an AiP to HD KSOE for VesselWise, an AI-enabled function designed to autonomously optimise auxiliary machinery operations.

Developed within HD KSOE’s Integrated Smartship Solution platform, VesselWise is intended to support safer, more efficient and lower-carbon vessel operations while addressing performance and cybersecurity requirements. The approval provides a basis for further onboard validation.

The Liberian Registry and Lloyd’s Register also issued an AiP for HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ optimised Type-C cargo tank design. The concept uses advanced direct calculations to reduce unnecessary tank weight while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

A third AiP, awarded by the Liberian Registry and DNV, covered a 12,000m3 LNG bunkering vessel designed to service cruise ships. The concept removes conventional bridge wings to avoid interference with lifeboats and uses CCTV and surround-view monitoring to support safe operations.

The Liberian Registry, Korean Register, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and BAR Technologies also signed a JDP agreement to assess WindWings on a 174,000m3 forward-accommodation LNG carrier. The project will examine technical feasibility, safety and regulatory compliance, alongside potential reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Other JDPs covered the development of an AI-CHS solution for a 174,000m3 LNG carrier and the development of advanced anchor brake test procedures.

The Registry said early agreement on approval bases and evidence requirements can provide greater regulatory clarity as innovative maritime technologies move toward commercial development.