KR (Korean Register) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Korean Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) on June 3 during Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo, Norway. This agreement is aimed at enhancing the safety and design of Type-C cargo tanks for liquefied gas carriers by implementing Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) techniques.
As the maritime industry shifts towards decarbonization, the demand for ships powered by alternative fuels like LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen is on the rise. These fuels necessitate high-pressure, cryogenic storage solutions, making the structural integrity of cargo tanks increasingly vital in sustainable ship design.
The MOU addresses the need for improved structural safety in IMO Type-C independent tanks, widely utilized in low-emission vessels. These tanks, often found on small to mid-sized gas carriers and bunkering vessels, require thorough structural analysis due to their capacity to store high-pressure cargo.
The collaboration will apply ECA, a fracture mechanics-based method, from the early design stages to assess potential crack propagation and ensure safety in the demanding environments of liquefied gas storage. Under the MOU, HD Hyundai Mipo will focus on structural strength and fatigue evaluations, while HD KSOE will manage tank design and conduct ECA assessments.
KR will oversee compliance with its classification standards and the international convention (IGC Code), with the goal of issuing an Approval in Principle (AIP). LEE Dong-jin from HD Hyundai Mipo stated that this collaboration aims to strengthen their position in the green ship market by securing AIP.
Similarly, LEE Dong-ju from HD KSOE emphasized the project’s significance in enhancing structural safety for fuel tanks. Both parties are committed to advancing design technologies for eco-friendly vessels, while KR will support the integration of ECA methodologies to foster sustainable vessel technology in shipbuilding.