LR and HHI Team Up to Develop LNG-Fuelled Bulk Carriers

LR's David Barrow and HHI's Bong-Jun Jang signed the agreement at Nor-Shipping. Image: LR

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HHI) and Lloyd's Register (LR) Thursday announced a joint development project (JDP) to design 180,000 DWT class liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered bulk carriers.

"These designs will meet the latest market needs by using LNG as a fuel, with an optimum design for short to medium-haul bulk trade (i.e. Australia – Asia) and long-haul bulk trade (i.e. Brazil – Asia) service in line with the Harmonised Common Structural Rules," said LR.

"Since the introduction of the IMO's NOx and SOx emission limitations, and increased developments in the global supply of gas, there is a continued need for ship designs to evolve to provide further alternatives to traditional oil-fuelled designs."

LR says a 180,000 DWT class bulk carrier was selected for the project's design, noting that new building orders in larger size ranges are expected.

The two companies signed the agreement for the JDP at this week's Nor-Shipping event in Oslo.

"We are really pleased to announce this new joint development project. These HHI designs offer the possibility for owners to comply with emissions regulations worldwide while keeping the investment viable and competitive. It is really important to LR to be able to help support this type of innovation in the market and assist in bringing such solutions from concept to safe and effective adoption," said David Barrow, LR's Director of Innovation, Marketing & Sales.

Bong-Jun Jang, HHI's Senior Executive Vice President, comenting on the JDP, said: "we sincerely believe this JDP will bring environmentally-friendly and economical solutions for future bulk carrier designs and be remembered as a milestone in shipbuilding history. It has always been our great pleasure to launch JDP's with LR and our collaboration will lead to technological improvement aimed towards energy saving and cleaner shipping."

In April, LR announced that, along with HHI, Woodside Energy Ltd. (Woodside), Anangel Maritime Services Inc. (Anangel), and General Electric Company (GE), it would begin work on a design programme aimed at exploring the suitability of technologies for large ships - such as very large ore carriers (VLOCs) - that feature natural gas-propulsion.