KR Grants AIP to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for New 50K LPG Carrier
Korean Register (KR) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a newly developed 50,000-cbm LPG carrier, jointly designed with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The AIP was presented on September 16 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. LPG carriers require precise control of cargo temperature and pressure to keep LPG cargo stable throughout storage and ...
Korean Register (KR) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to a new 50,000-cbm LPG carrier jointly designed with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The AIP was announced on September 16 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. LPG carriers demand meticulous control of cargo temperature and pressure to maintain stability during storage and transport.
Designing LPG carriers to ensure both safety and efficiency necessitates advanced engineering at each stage of development. This new 50K design serves as a bridge between the existing 45K and 60K designs, catering to the diverse demands of the mid-size LPG carrier market. The vessel's design optimizes cargo-loading efficiency while maintaining operational economics, enabling it to handle a wider array of cargo volumes and trading patterns.
The carrier boasts Type A independent tanks, which separate LPG cargo from the ship's structural hull, ensuring stable storage and transport at low temperatures. Under the joint development project, HHI was responsible for the concept and basic design, while KR thoroughly reviewed the design to ensure adherence to international standards and gas carrier regulations before granting the AIP.
Hong-ryul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of HHI, stated, "The growing LPG trade volumes and the increasing variety of shipping routes have sparked a surge in interest in mid-size LPG carriers that offer enhanced efficiency and port accessibility compared to larger vessels. This 50K-class carrier was developed to meet these evolving market demands and strengthen our competitive edge."
Kyujin Yeon, Executive Vice President of KR, commented, "Through this AIP for the 50K LPG carrier, KR has addressed the technical requirements of the mid-size LPG carrier market and established the technical foundation for developing new vessel types. We remain committed to advancing safe and efficient vessel technologies through continuous technical collaboration with shipyards."
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