Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction has received Approval in Principle (AIP) for a 7,500 cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel design from the classification society ClassNK.

The design, which is the result of joint research carried out by the parties to improve the efficiency of LNG bunkering vessels, employs type-C bi-lobe tanks, improving on cargo capacity to allow for greater efficiency and productivity, according to ClassNK.

The AIP was granted after confirming the design complies with ClassNK’s Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships.

“This design is just one of the fruits of our relationship. We hope this AIP will help pave the way for a new generation of highly efficient LNG bunkering vessels,” Takashi Nishibashi, ClassNK’s Country Manager of Korea, said.

The choice of LNG as ship fuel has become increasingly widespread in the industry, and is expected to become one of a primary source of fuel in the near future, ClassNK said.

However, LNG fueled vessels are currently largely dependent on existing infrastructure comprised mainly of fixed bunker locations, potentially limiting their operations.

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction and ClassNK worked together to improve the viability of this technology.