HD HHI wins approval for 271K LNG carrier

DNV has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) an approval in principle (AiP) for a new 271,000-cubic-metre liquefied natural gas carrier design, marking the shipbuilder’s largest LNG carrier concept to date.

The 271K Twin Skeg LNG carrier has been designed to maximise Q-Max-class cargo capacity while retaining access to major global trade routes.

“Through our newly unveiled 271K LNG carrier design, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in large-scale energy transport,” said Hong Ryeul Ryu, senior executive vice president and chief technology officer of HD HHI.

“Combining the largest cargo carrying capability, operational efficiency, and readiness for future eco-friendly technologies, the 271K LNG carrier design represents another significant milestone.”

The vessel features five membrane-type cargo tanks and has been developed to provide greater cargo and operational flexibility than conventional LNG carriers. Despite its increased capacity, the design is intended to remain capable of transiting both the Suez and Panama canals, potentially giving owners and operators wider deployment options.

Its propulsion system will meet IMO NOx Tier III requirements and use dual-fuel technology. The vessel will also feature an enhanced cargo handling system incorporating a reliquefaction plant, while artificial intelligence-based technologies will support voyage planning, operational monitoring and energy optimisation.

An optimised hull form and several energy-saving devices are designed to improve propulsion performance and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These include HD Hyundai’s Hi-ARS, which reduces wind resistance.

“We are continuing to see the demand for larger and more efficient vessels in the LNG trade,” said Vidar Dolonen, DNV regional manager for Korea and Japan. “We are pleased to work with HD HHI to help them in advancing innovative designs that can address the needs of the current market, while looking to future industry expectations.”

The AiP provides an early validation of the vessel’s design principles as HD HHI develops the concept for the evolving LNG shipping market.