DNV GL, the world’s leading classification society, and HHI Group, the world’s largest shipyard have joint hands to develop future proof tanker designs.
The announcement was done in a recent webinar “Green Tanker towards 2050”. The event was attended by quite 250 participants from shipping companies around the world. The industry giants presented the results of their joint research and explained how eco-friendly maritime solutions can help ship owners and managers deal with stricter environmental regulations, both now and within 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) during a virtual format, co-hosted by DNV GL from their headquarters in Høvik, Norway.
“Ship owners are faced with many uncertainties within the rapidly changing marketplace. 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.” Seong-Yong Park, COO and SEVP of HHI Group, said
During the webinar the experts explained the recent development of regulations covering the greenhouse emission emissions from vessels, including the introduction of the planning index for existing vessels (EEXI) and a replacement Carbon Intensity Indicator, which are due to enter into force in 2023.
In response to those 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 emission emissions by 2050 compared to 2008. we’ll help the shipping industry to succeed in these ambitious goals by taking a number one position within the eco-friendly maritime era through research and development.” H. J. Shin, Head of Future Ship Research Department at KSOE, commented:
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 found that an LNG fuel system together with advanced energy saving devices (ESDs) can enable a vessel to satisfy the new Carbon Intensity Indicator over its expected lifetime. Y. H. Chung, Head of Initial Design Department at HMD, stressed the urgency
“It is essential to use alternative fuels like LNG and technological solutions that are available now, and not wait until 2030 or beyond. 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 in subsequent 20 years.” said Mr Chung
Christos Chryssakis, Business Development Manager at DNV GL – Maritime acknowledged that, since energy saving devices ESDs mainly have an impact on fuel consumption during sailing, the advantages are greater for giant vessels like VLCCs, which spend more days operating at sea. These ships are also less sensitive to price variations when it comes to selection of LNG as fuel. This is often because the capital expenditures are paid back faster thanks to a better fuel consumption, whereas for smaller vessels with lower fuel consumption, like MR Tankers, a better price differential between very low sulphur oil (VLSFO) and LNG was required to pay back the initial investment, making these vessels more sensitive to volatile fuel prices.
“We have no clear vision of the zero-carbon ship in deep sea shipping yet. As we exert ourselves towards the zero emission vessel, the industry also must make new building decisions today. ”As demonstrated by HHI Group and our experts, we’ve energy efficient designs and technologies at hand which will enable ships to satisfy the IMO emission trajectories through their entire lifetime. These highly efficient vessels are likely to be attractive to charterers and investors today, and even more so if a price is placed on CO2.”said Trond Hodne, Senior Vice President Business Development at DNV GL – Maritime