Alternative Fuels

HHI and DNV GL present green tanker solutions from joint research partnership

Joint research was initiated at the Gastech trade fair in Houston 2019 where they agreed to jointly develop low and zero carbon solutions for shipping.

Published

6 years ago

December 22, 2020

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LNG fuelled Tanker Gagarin Prospect 1288x511 tcm8 193839

Classification Society DNV GL on Friday (18 December) said it teamed up with the world’s largest shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to embark on the development of future-proof tanker designs and the joint development has yielded positive results.

In a recent “Green Tankers towards 2050” industry webinar, DNV GL and HHI Group presented the results of new joint research and explained how eco-friendly maritime solutions can help shipowners and managers to cope with stricter environmental regulations now and in the future.

The joint research was initiated by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at Gastech trade fair in Houston 2019, when DNV GL and HHI agreed to develop low and zero carbon solutions for shipping.

The results of the MOU were presented by lead researchers from HHI Group companies Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) in a virtual format, co-hosted by DNV GL from their headquarters in Høvik, Norway.

“Shipowners are faced with many uncertainties in the rapidly changing marketplace,” said Seong-Yong Park, COO and SEVP of HHI Group.

“We believe our research results, including proven engineering solutions and alternative fuels, will support them in developing their future strategy for ship operations and fleet renewal.”

During the webinar, DNV GL and HHI Group experts explained the recent development of regulations covering the greenhouse gas emissions from vessels, including the introduction of the design index for existing vessels (EEXI) and a new Carbon Intensity Indicator, which are due to enter into force in 2023.

To respond to these regulations, HHI Group introduced their range of eco-friendly ships that are equipped with alternative fuel technologies and energy-reducing systems, among them 40 LNG dual-fuelled ships already delivered or under construction.

“The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is strengthening environmental regulations, including a 50% reduction in ship greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared to 2008,” added H. J. Shin, Head of Future Ship Research Department at KSOE.

“We will help the shipping industry to reach these ambitious goals by taking a leading position in the eco-friendly maritime era through research and development.”

By applying DNV GL’s data-based carbon robust model to its very large crude carrier (VLCC) and Medium Range (MR) tanker ships, HHI Group noted it found that an LNG fuel propulsion system in combination with advanced energy saving devices (ESDs) can enable a vessel to meet the new Carbon Intensity Indicator over its expected lifetime.

“It is important to use alternative fuels like LNG and technological solutions that are available now, and not wait until 2030 or beyond”, noted Y. H. Chung, Head of Initial Design Department at HMD.

“Our joint research has shown that LNG as ship fuel combined with other energy saving devices can make a vessel both environmentally and economically fit for the next two decades at least”.

“Since ESDs mainly have an impact on fuel consumption during sailing, the benefits are greater for large vessels such as VLCCs, which spend more days operating at sea,” explained Christos Chryssakis, Business Development Manager at DNV GL – Maritime.

“These ships are also less sensitive to price variations when it comes to selection of LNG as fuel. This is because the capital expenditures are paid back faster due to a higher fuel consumption

“For smaller vessels with lower fuel consumption, such as MR Tankers, a higher price differential between very low sulphur oil (VLSFO) and LNG was required to pay back the initial investment. Therefore, these vessels were more sensitive to volatile fuel prices.”

Photo credit: HHI Group
Published: 22 December, 2020

Alternative Fuels

Singapore-based Golden Island, Qingdao Port team up on alternative bunker fuels

Agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

Published

1 minute ago

September 22, 2026

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Golden Island, Qingdao Port team up on green methanol, ammonia and bio-LNG

Singapore bunker supplier Golden Island Pte Ltd on Monday (21 September) said it has signed a strategic framework agreement with Qingdao Port International Co Ltd to collaborate on the supply of alternative marine fuels.

The agreement covers green methanol, green ammonia and bio-LNG, with cooperation spanning fuel production and transportation through to storage, sales and bunkering.

“By combining our MPA-licensed bunkering capabilities with Qingdao Port’s incredible logistics and strategic hub position, we are building something truly robust for the global shipping industry’s low-carbon future,” the company said in a statement.

Qingdao Port International, which operates five major port areas in China, will bring its logistics network, storage facilities and customs clearance capabilities to the partnership.

Golden Island is licensed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct methanol bunkering and is ISCC EU-certified.

The companies are also engaging with container liners, bulk carriers, oil tankers and cruise ships regarding the adoption of alternative marine fuels.

Photo credit: Golden Island Pte Ltd
Published: 22 September, 2026

Ammonia

HD HHI and HD KSOE secure ABS AiP for ammonia bunkering vessel design

ABS awarded approval in principle for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

Published

10 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

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HD HHI and HD KSOE secure ABS AiP for ammonia bunkering vessel

Classification society ABS on Monday (21 September) said it has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) approval in principle (AIP) for the basic design of a 22,000 CBM bunkering vessel capable of supplying ammonia as marine fuel.

The approval is the result of a joint development project initiated earlier this year. ABS reviewed the design’s general arrangement, machinery arrangement, ammonia cargo handling system and fuel supply system against applicable class and international requirements.

Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering, said: “Bunkering infrastructure is a critical step for any marine fuel to scale, and it has to be implemented with safety designed in from the start.

“This AIP reflects the industry’s need for fuel flexibility while advancing the safe bunkering of ammonia. ABS is proud to support HD HHI and HD KSOE as they develop technologies that expand fuel flexibility.”

Ryu Hong-Ryeul, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of HD HHI, said: “As ammonia rapidly emerges as a viable low-carbon alternative fuel, demand for ammonia bunkering vessels is expected to grow in line with the increasing adoption of ammonia-fuelled ships.

“This AIP marks a significant milestone toward the commercialisation of ammonia bunkering vessels.”

ABS and the HD Hyundai group have worked together across a range of technologies supporting ammonia as a marine fuel. Recent projects have included AIP for HD KSOE’s ammonia cargo handling and bunkering system and initial review for HD HHI’s machinery arrangement in engine room.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 September, 2026

Alternative Fuels

J-ENG completes land-based testing of hydrogen-fuelled marine engine

Engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for MOL and MOL Drybulk, with onboard demonstration testing scheduled to begin in April 2028.

Published

20 minutes ago

September 22, 2026

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Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) on Friday (18 September) said it has completed land-based testing of the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled engine for large commercial vessels, the 6UEC35LSGH.

During factory testing, the engine achieved a hydrogen co-firing rate of at least 95%, reducing GHG emissions by more than 95% compared with conventional heavy-fuel-oil engines.

By adopting a high-pressure direct injection system, which injects fuel directly into the cylinder at high pressure, J-ENG said the engine achieves stable hydrogen combustion.

Safety measures were also implemented, including a robust structure to prevent hydrogen leakage and double-walled piping for hydrogen supply lines.

“Approval testing was conducted in the presence of ClassNK and was completed successfully,” the company said.

The engine will be installed on a 17,500 DWT multipurpose vessel to be built by Onomichi Dockyard for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and MOL Drybulk.

Hydrogen fuel will be supplied to the engine through a marine hydrogen fuel system, consisting of marine hydrogen fuel tanks and a fuel supply system, developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

In addition, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) will conduct safety assessments throughout each stage of the engine’s development and the vessel’s design, construction and operation.

The vessel will then undergo sea trials before onboard demonstration testing begins in April 2028.

Kawasaki will also develop and manufacture bunkering equipment for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vessels.

“The demonstration will further evaluate the engine’s durability and performance under actual operating conditions,” J-ENG added.

Photo credit: J-ENG
Published: 22 September, 2026