KOSUN, Energy Efficient MR Tanker Obtains Italian Classification Society Certification

K Shipbuilding obtained Approval In Principle (AIP) from the Italian classification society RINA on the 10th for the concept design of an Energy Efficient MR Tanker (hydrogen dual-fuel medium-sized petrochemical product carrier) equipped with a hydrogen and natural gas dual-fuel engine.

They are taking a commemorative photo after the certification ceremony. (From the left, Simone Manca, Asia Representative of RINA, and Lee Cheol-ho, Head of Technology Research Institute at K Shipbuilding)

Amid increasingly stringent environmental regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), K Shipbuilding devised a method to separate natural gas into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, using hydrogen as a mixed fuel and in fuel cells to generate electricity, while storing and post-processing carbon dioxide to enhance energy efficiency and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To this end, they completed certification for the concept design of the first stage of the Energy Efficient MR Tanker, which uses hydrogen and natural gas as mixed fuels, by installing a hydrogen dual-fuel 4-stroke engine, leveraging their design expertise in medium-sized petrochemical product carriers, and plan to proceed with a joint development project in the future.

The certification ceremony held on the same day was attended by Lee Cheol-ho, Head of the Technology Research Institute at K Shipbuilding, and Simone Manca, Asia Representative of RINA.

A K Shipbuilding official stated, “With alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia emerging recently, this certification has proven the potential of a new concept of eco-friendly ships. We will continue to strive for technological innovation, including the development of eco-friendly vessels.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.