Lloyd’s Register (LR) and HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) have embarked on a Joint Development Project (JDP) to develop the design for a 22,000m³ class LNG bunkering vessel.
This initiative was formally recognised with an Approval in Principle (AiP) during the Gastech 2025 event in Milan.
The project aims to deliver a safe and commercially feasible vessel that complies with regulations to meet the growing demand for LNG bunkering.
The proposed design of the vessel offers an enhanced delivery capacity, which could lead to a decrease in both bunkering time and frequency, ultimately lowering expenses for operators. This design will also allow HMD to cater to the changing requirements of charterers.
However, the larger size of the vessel may pose operational challenges in certain ports, necessitating meticulous design considerations.
LR North East Asia president Sung-gu Park said: “This collaboration demonstrates a joint effort to support the roll-out of the LNG bunkering supply chain.
“By integrating technical development with regulatory standards, we can deliver safely, adequate volumes of LNG to ensure supply at scale for the growing LNG-fuelled fleet.”
LR is set to conduct a comprehensive drawing appraisal and will issue the AiP based on its classification guidelines and global standards.
The ship is being engineered to prioritise cost-effectiveness, safety during operations, and adherence to upcoming regulations, offering vessel owners a viable option for the distribution of LNG fuel.
HD Hyundai Mipo executive vice president/head of initial design division & detailed design division Lee Dong-jin said: “LNG as an alternative fuel is attracting attention, and we realise that the demand for LNG bunkering vessels is increasing, with the rise of LNG-fuelled vessels.
“With this AiP from LR, we are able to expand our LNG bunkering vessel portfolio and position ourselves as a leader in the fast-growing LNG bunkering market.”
In a related development, Lloyd’s Register has launched LR Ports Advisory, a new service aimed at supporting ports in navigating the complex challenges they are currently facing.
