The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has approved in principle (AIP) two advanced cargo handling systems developed by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Corporation (HD KSOE) for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and ethane carriers.
Supercooled refrigeration systems are a key advancement in cargo temperature management for LNG carriers. Unlike traditional systems that rely on a single gaseous refrigerant, supercooling systems use gas-liquid blended refrigerants, which HD KSOE believes can increase cooling efficiency by more than 10%. This method reduces the risk of evaporative gases by subcooling LNG below -170°C, helping to maintain optimal cargo integrity during transportation.
The second AIP was awarded to HD KSOE for the development of an advanced cargo handling and reliquefaction system designed for ethane carriers that can be adapted to vessels of various capacities. Given the stringent requirements for temperature and pressure stability in ethane transportation, the system is designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce associated risks.
“With the next few years set for growth in LNG and ethane shipping operations, maintaining safe and efficient operations is critical for the entire industry,” said Patrick Ryan, senior vice president and chief technology officer of ABS. ABS is proud to support these innovative technologies developed by HD KSOE. ”
A representative from Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering said: “The newly developed supercooling system is not only more efficient than the existing system, but also represents a significant progress in the localization of core technologies in the shipbuilding industry. Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering will continue to promote basic technology research and development to further enhance the global competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry. ”