HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has secured Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society DNV for its design concept of an electric propulsion liquefied hydrogen (LH₂) carrier, capable of storing and transporting up to 80,000 cubic metres of LH₂. The AiP ceremony is scheduled to take place at Gastech in Houston on 16 September 2024.

This significant milestone is part of a wider collaboration involving key industry players, including HD KSOE, Woodside Energy, Hyundai Glovis, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), aimed at establishing a large-scale, integrated maritime transportation value chain for liquid hydrogen.

HD KSOE’s design concept features new large-scale liquid hydrogen tanks, developed by HD Hyundai, equipped with advanced vacuum insulation technology. The carrier is powered by an electric propulsion system driven by Hydrogen Dual Fuel HiMSEN engines, allowing for flexible operation between diesel and hydrogen. In addition, the vessel’s newly optimized hull design and cargo handling system aim to enhance operational efficiency and provide greater commercial flexibility.