HJ Heavy Industries announced on the 6th that its 45,000㎥ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/ammonia carrier has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR).
With the growing global demand for gas carriers and the increasing need for new ship designs aligned with market trends, HJ Heavy Industries and Lloyd’s Register signed a joint development project advancement agreement for LPG/ammonia carriers in July this year.
Following a concentrated four-month R&D effort, HJ Heavy Industries completed the design development and structural optimization of a medium-sized gas carrier capable of safely and efficiently transporting LPG and ammonia, along with the Type-A tank design utilizing cryogenic steel. After conducting compatibility verification and structural safety assessments of both the vessel design and tank design, Lloyd’s Register formally granted the Approval in Principle (AiP).
The approval from the classification society signifies that HJ Heavy Industries has completed the development of its 45,000㎥ medium-sized LPG/ammonia carrier. This achievement follows the company’s existing portfolio of 38,000㎥ LPG carriers and 88,000㎥ Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs). HJ Heavy Industries now possesses a diverse range of gas carrier designs that can cope with market changes.
HJ Heavy Industries stated that this vessel measures 190 meters in length and 30.6 meters in beam, with a cargo hold capacity of 45,000㎥. Designed to carry various liquefied gases including propane, butane, ammonia, and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), it will maximize operational flexibility for shipowners.
By thoroughly considering ammonia’s toxicity and corrosiveness, HJ Heavy Industries implemented leak detection and automatic ventilation control technologies during the vessel design phase. Additionally, the application of low-temperature steel that minimizes crack formation enabled the achievement of high-standard safety design. This vessel design not only meets Lloyd’s Register’s stringent technical safety standards but also fully complies with international regulations concerning the construction and equipment of LPG/ammonia carriers.
HJ Heavy Industries stated that the company is not only committed to this LPG/ammonia carrier project but is also strengthening its technological capabilities through continuous R&D of eco-friendly vessels such as methanol-powered ships, dual-fuel vessels, hydrogen-powered ships, and ammonia-powered ships. This approach prepares the company to address the paradigm shift in the shipping industry and meet shipowners’ order demands.
A representative from HJ Heavy Industry stated, “This acquisition of the AiP certificate from Lloyd’s Register once again demonstrates the company’s design capabilities and technological strength. The company will continue to strengthen its technological competitive advantage through ongoing research and development and actively explore the decarbonized and environmentally friendly ship market.”