Hyundai Heavy Industries(HHI), the world’s largest shipbuilder, announced today that it recently receivedthe Approval in Principle(AiP) for the design of a capesize bulk carrier with type C LNG fuel tank made of POSCO’s high manganese steel and fuel gas supply system from DNV GL and Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry(Liberian Registry).
The hand-over ceremony was held at HHI’s Seoul office and attended by senior officials from HHI, POSCO, DNV GL and Liberian Registry, includingJae-eul Kim, Chief Technology Officer(CTO) at HHI; Jong-Kyo Choi, High Manganese Steel Solutions TF Team Leader at POSCO; Sung-ho Shin, Head of Pre-ContractMaritime at DNV GL in Korea and Thomas Klenum, Senior Vice President of Technical Division at Liberian Registry,
HHI has developed the design of LNG Dual Fueled capsize bulk carrier in accordance with the RU-ship of DNV GL and IGF Code as well. From thedesign phase, high manganese steel was considered for LNG fuel tank due to its higher strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures with affordable price. POSCO technically supported the development by providing research data of high manganese steel throughseveral mock-up tests and field applications. DNV GL experts assessed the design of LNG fuel tank, Fuel Gas Supply System(FGSS), general arrangements, machinery spaces and risks associated with those systems except for hull and marine systems via HAZID Study.Liberian Registry was involved in the design review including attendance in the HAZID workshop and approved the design based on DNV GL’s assessment results.
At the ceremony, senior officials from each company said as the following.
Mr. Kim Jae-eul said “Based on these AIPs, we are planning to apply this new material to several specific areas. We are confident with high manganese steelmore competitive than other materials we have tried for LNG fuel tank.”
Mr. Choi Jong-kyo said “Very appreciate to Liberia, DNV GL, and HHI for designing and registering the bulk carrier with high manganese steelLNG fuel tank. Hopefully, the Joint Development Project will serve as an opportunity for high manganese steel to expand its widespread use as an LNG tank for ships.”
Mr. Shin Sung-ho said “This outcome of cooperation works among the industry leaders, i.e. shipyard, flag-state, steel manufacturer, and classwill be a key enabler to provide confidence and benefits for the whole maritime industries.”
Mr. Alfonso Castillero, Chief Operating Officer at Liberian Registry, said “The Liberian Registry is honored to take part in this first-of-its-kindproject which further solidifies Liberia as the experienced flag for groundbreaking and innovative JDP projects. No other flag has the capabilities of getting involved in ship design. This strong and efficient collaboration proves that all four(4) participantsare committed to developing the safest, most advanced and most competitive ships in the market – vessels that meet the regulatory demands of today and tomorrow.”