The Korean Register (KR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Korean Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) on 3 June at Nor-Shipping 2025 for the safe and sustainable tank design for green ships.
As announced, the agreement focuses on applying Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) techniques to the design of Type-C cargo tanks for liquefied gas carriers to ensure their structural safety. The three parties aim to improve the structural safety and design reliability of IMO Type-C independent tanks, one of the most widely adopted containment systems for low-emission vessels.
This collaboration serves as a meaningful opportunity to integrate the ECA methodology into the design of liquefied gas tanks. KR will continue to provide robust technical support for the advancement of sustainable vessel technologies across the shipbuilding sector.
…said Yeon Kyujin, Senior Vice President, KR.
Type-C tanks are commonly used on small to mid-sized gas carriers and bunkering vessels due to their structural independence and ability to store high-pressure cargo, and therefore require precise structural analysis to ensure safety. To tackle these technical challenges, the partners will apply Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) from the early stages of design.
Furthermore, under the agreement, HD Hyundai Mipo will conduct structural strength and fatigue assessments of the tanks and HD KSOE will lead tank design and perform ECA-based structural evaluations. KR will review safety and compliance of the design in accordance with its classification rules and the international convention (IGC Code), with the goal of issuing an Approval in Principle (AIP).
With the maritime industry accelerating its transition toward decarbonization, demand is growing for ships powered by alternative fuels such as LNG, ammonia and hydrogen requiring advanced safety measures for onboard containment systems.
This project marks meaningful progress in ensuring both structural safety and design rationality of fuel tanks for green ships through the application of advanced structural evaluation techniques. We remain committed to advancing design and manufacturing technologies for environmentally friendly vessels.
…said Lee Dong-ju, Senior Vice President, HD KSOE.
Therefore, ensuring the structural integrity of cargo tanks has become a critical element in next-generation, environmentally sustainable ship design.
Lee Dong-jin, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Mipo and Kim Han-se, Senior Vice President of HD KSOE SD Business Unit, emphasized that the joint development effort aims to obtain Approval in Principle (AIP) and advance the design of independent tanks for eco-friendly vessels.
The collaboration is intended to support the development of safe tank solutions that align with global standards and shipowner requirements, while contributing to technological progress in the green shipping sector.
