DNV Awards AiP to HMD for innovative 60K LPG/NH3/VCM Carrier Design

On September 20, 2024, DNV gave Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) for their new ship design. The design is for a 60,000m³ carrier that can transport LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), ammonia, and VCM (Vinyl Chloride Monomer). This ship is built to meet the growing need for Medium Gas Carrier (MGC) vessels and follows the trend of building bigger and more efficient ships.

The ship is designed to be ready for stricter environmental rules, as more LPG and ammonia are expected to be shipped worldwide. Its design keeps the same working features as existing MGCs, but it has a double hull, which makes it safer in case of accidents. The ship also has a smart trunk deck that increases how much cargo it can carry, making it more efficient.

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This new ship is special because, although it can hold as much cargo as a Large Gas Carrier (LGC), it can still fit into ports made for MGCs. This helps shipping companies save time and money. The hull design has also been improved to use less fuel, which means lower costs for building and running the ship.

Dong-Jin Lee, Head of the Initial Design Division at HMD, said, “This ship is a new idea in gas carrier design. It will make gas shipping more efficient and help us meet the growing needs of the market. Along with our other ships, the 40K and 45K MGCs, this new 60K ship will strengthen our position as a leader in this market.”

Vidar Dolonen, the Regional Manager of DNV for Korea and Japan, added, “We are happy to work with HMD on this project. Their focus on using new technology, together with our safety and compliance expertise, has led to a ship that is designed to face the challenges of today and tomorrow. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with HMD.”

DNV’s Approval in Principle means the ship’s design has been checked for safety and stability. This approval shows the design can be built without major problems. An AiP is a key step in turning a ship design into reality, as it proves the design is feasible and meets the necessary standards.