HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has secured preliminary design approval for a 20,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, following a joint development programme between the two organisations.

The South Korean yard said it created new hull concepts for the vessel using performance optimisation and design validation techniques, resulting in efficiency gains and production benefits compared with existing bunkering vessel designs in the same size range.

According to HD HHI, the larger cargo capacity is intended to improve operational flexibility, cut the number of bunkering operations required, and lower overall running costs for operators.

As part of the project, HD HHI produced technical specifications and conceptual layouts, including general arrangements and process flow schemes, in line with Bureau Veritas rules and applicable regulations. The partners then worked together to refine the design and progress it towards approval in principle.

Bureau Veritas conducted a technical review covering areas such as structural strength, LNG cargo containment and transfer systems, safety architecture, risk assessments, vessel stability and regulatory compliance.

The classification society concluded that the design meets the required standards for safety, environmental performance and operational reliability.

Dong-Jin Lee, executive vice president of initial design office at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said: "Recent demand for LNG bunkering vessels has been remarkable with the rise of LNG-fuelled vessels, and the market is expected to expand further in the future. With this AiP from BV, we can expand our LNG bunkering vessel portfolio and position ourselves as a leader in the fast-growing LNG bunkering market."