DNV has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for a new LPG dual-fuel 1,400-teu container vessel design, with the certificate presented during the Posidonia trade fair in Piraeus on 4 June.

The certificate was handed to Hongryeul Ryu, chief technology officer at HHI, by Vidar Dolonen, regional manager at DNV, at the biennial shipping event held in Greece.

While LNG has been the predominant alternative fuel choice for container vessels, LPG is positioned by HHI as an additional pathway to reduced emissions, with the shipbuilder explaining that it can offer a balance of capital and operating costs, along with less complex fuel system and fuel handling characteristics compared with LNG.

The new design targets the smaller container segment — a part of the market that has had fewer alternative fuel options available — and utilises an arrangement said to be similar to LNG systems, with the aim of reducing technical risk while maintaining operational reliability. The concept adopts a forward accommodation arrangement to maximise container cargo capacity while ensuring crew segregation from hazardous zones.

The type-C LPG storage tank, LPG low-flashpoint fuel supply system (LFSS), and bunker station are positioned on the aft open deck, HHI notes, to optimise cargo handling operations and reduce potential risks to the accommodation area. A composite boiler integrated with an LPG gas combustion unit (GCU) function has also been incorporated for boil-off gas (BOG) management.

Ryu commented: "Receiving DNV's AiP for our first LPG dual-fuel container vessel design reflects our commitment to developing practical and scalable solutions for maritime decarbonisation. By positioning LPG as a transition fuel and building on proven technologies, we are able to deliver a solution that balances efficiency, cost, and environmental performance while minimising technical risk."

Dolonen remarked: "Over the past few years, we have been steadily moving towards a multi-fuel maritime industry. But as we do, it is important to keep many pathways open and give owners and operators in different segments and sizes practical newbuilding options. This new design provides the small container segment a credible path towards lowered emissions today, balancing outlays while preserving flexibility through an arrangement that can be adapted to net-zero options. We are very pleased to award HHI this AiP and it again demonstrates the forward-looking attitude of Korean yards, which are pushing ahead to a more sustainable maritime future."