Five MoUs signing ceremonies for future-proof shipbuilding technologies

At Nor-Shipping 2025, Korean Register (KR) signed five technical cooperation Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading Korean shipbuilders—HD Hyundai Group, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries—marking a significant push toward future-proof vessel technologies and alternative fuel systems.

These collaborations cover structural tank safety, development of next-generation ammonia and ethane carriers, and innovative LNG carrier layout. KR, as a trusted classification society, plays a pivotal role in validating the safety and regulatory compliance of these cutting-edge designs.

KR × Hanwha Ocean

ㅣDevelopment of a 150K CBM Ultra-large Ammonia Carrier

Ammonia is gaining global attention as a zero-carbon marine fuel, but its high toxicity and corrosiveness demand specialized safety designs. This MoU supports the development of a large-scale ammonia carrier optimized for both ammonia transport and onboard safety.

Hanwha Ocean has incorporated toxic zone layout optimization and gas dispersion simulations into the early-stage design, enabling more effective risk management in the event of leakage.
KR will evaluate the safety concept through risk-based assessment procedures and ensure compliance with international regulations and classification rules before issuing AiP.

ㅣDevelopment of a 150K CBM Ultra-large Ammonia Carrier

This concept involves relocating the accommodation block and navigation bridge to the bow to reduce air resistance during navigation. By minimizing wind drag, the vessel’s energy efficiency can be significantly improved.

Additionally, the forward deckhouse frees up valuable deck space for wind-assisted propulsion systems and energy-saving devices, making the design suitable for eco-friendly LNG transportation.

KR will assess the vessel’s stability and regulatory compliance with respect to the deckhouse relocation and will grant AiP upon successful review.

KR × HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

ㅣDevelopment of a Next-generation Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC)

The VLEC under development will have a cargo capacity exceeding 100,000 CBM and is designed to transport a variety of liquefied gases—including ethane, LPG, and propylene. This versatility is critical for operators looking to maximize fleet flexibility.

The project presents technical challenges in cryogenic containment system design and structural safety under complexed cargo conditions, especially for -100°C ethane.

KR will conduct risk assessments and review the tank and hull design in accordance with the latest structural rules for gas carriers and international standards.

KR × Samsung Heavy Industries

ㅣThree-tank 174,000 m³ LNG carrier for optimized sloshing and fuel efficiency

Samsung Heavy Industries’ new concept reduces the number of cargo tanks from four to three to optimize internal volume and fuel efficiency.

However, the increased tank size may amplify sloshing effects, especially under partial loading conditions, requiring careful assessment of structural loads and containment safety.

KR will evaluate the sloshing behavior and structural integrity of the tank design, ensuring compliance with relevant standards before issuing AiP.

KR × HD Hyundai Mipo × HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering

This joint project focuses on applying Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA)—a fracture mechanics-based structure analysis method—to Type-C cargo tanks used in liquefied gas carriers. The aim is to evaluate the tanks’ resistance to crack propagation under cryogenic and high-pressure conditions, enabling a more refined safety assessment beyond conventional stress analysis.

As Type-C tanks are widely used in LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen-fueled vessels, enhancing their structural integrity is essential for the broader adoption of alternative fuels.

KR will review the design methodology and ECA results in accordance with the IGC Code and classification rules.

LEE Hyungchul, KR Chairman & CEO, stated, “These partnerships show how Korea’s shipbuilders and KR are working in close collaboration to develop the next generation of gas carriers and alternative fuel systems. KR is committed to supporting safe and sustainable innovation by providing expert technical validation at every step.”