KR (Korean Register) has granted an approval in principle (AIP) for an LNG boil-off gas (BOG) treatment system jointly developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and Donghwa Pneutec.
The AiP, awarded in cooperation with the Liberian Registry (LISCR), is based on a concept proposed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE). The newly developed BOG treatment system is designed for installation and operation both onboard vessels and along quays during berth. It can process up to 0.5t/hr of BOG per hour, converting it into city gas for onshore energy use. This enables shipyards to recover BOG generated during vessel construction, thereby reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and fuel losses. Shipowners, in turn, can safely manage surplus gas during extended port stays or when alternative maritime power (AMP) is required, ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
The joint development project was completed through close cooperation between the shipyard, equipment manufacturer, classification society, and flag administration, building upon HD KSOE’s concept design. In June this year, the system was applied to an 8,000 TEU LNG dual-fuelled containership under construction, where it successfully completed demonstration trials, verifying its performance. The system is considered a practical solution to reduce carbon emissions across the full lifecycle of LNG dual-fuelled vessels and is expected to contribute significantly to the maritime industries’ decarbonization goals.
HD Hyundai believes that the AiP marks the first validation of LNG boil-off gas treatment technology, and underscores its commitment to advancing greener shipbuilding for LNG-fuelled vessels and driving decarbonisation
Kwon Yungwoo, Vice Chairman and CEO, Donghwa Pneutec, said: “This demonstration has once again validated the technological excellence of our LNG boil-off gas compressor. With AMP requirements expected to become mandatory, we anticipate this technology will see broader adoption across the industry.”
Thomas Klenum, EVP Liberian Registry, added: “Built on a strong partnership, the successful completion of this project goes beyond a simple technological achievement. It provides an important foundation for advancing eco-friendly shipbuilding technologies from a full lifecycle perspective of LNG-fuelled vessels.”
Lee Hyungchul, KR Chairman and CEO, concluded: “This AiP marks a meaningful achievement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from LNG-fuelled vessels, both during construction and while at berth. KR will continue to work closely with industry partners to ensure the smooth commercialisation of new technologies and to drive a more sustainable maritime industry.”
Image: LNG Boil-off Gas (BOG) Treatment System (source: Korean Register)
