KR backs LNG boil-off gas treatment AiP

KR has granted an approval in principle (AiP) for an LNG boil-off gas treatment system jointly developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Donghwa Pneutec.

The AiP, awarded in co-operation with the Liberian Registry, is based on a concept proposed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. The system is designed for installation and operation on board vessels and along quays during berth.

According to the proponents, it can process up to 0.5 tonne of boil-off gas per hour and convert it into city gas for onshore energy use.

KR stated this creates options for shipyards to recover boil-off gas generated during construction, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel losses.

Shipowners could also manage surplus gas during extended port stays or when alternative maritime power (AMP) is required, with the aim of meeting tighter environmental rules.

The project team said the development was executed through close co-operation between the shipyard, equipment manufacturer, classification society and flag administration, building on HD KSOE’s concept design.

In June this year, the system was applied to an 8,000-TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship under construction, where it completed demonstration trials that verified performance.

An HD Hyundai Heavy Industries official said the AiP was “the world’s first validation of LNG boil-off gas treatment technology,” adding it demonstrates the company’s commitment to “advancing greener shipbuilding for LNG-fuelled vessels and driving decarbonisation across the maritime industry.”

Donghwa Pneutec vice chairman and chief executive Yungwoo Kwon said the trials “once again validated the technological excellence of our LNG boil-off gas compressor.” Mr Kwon added with AMP requirements expected to become mandatory, the company anticipates wider adoption of the technology.

Liberian Registry executive vice president Thomas Klenum said, built on a strong partnership, the project’s completion “goes beyond a simple technological achievement.” Mr Klenum said it provides “an important foundation for advancing eco-friendly shipbuilding technologies from a full lifecycle perspective of LNG-fuelled vessels.”

KR chairman and chief executive Hyungchul Lee described the AiP as “a meaningful achievement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from LNG-fuelled vessels, both during construction and while at berth.”

Mr Lee added that KR will continue to work with partners “to ensure the smooth commercialisation of new technologies and to drive a more sustainable maritime industry.”

The developers present the system as a practical measure to cut carbon emissions over the service life of LNG dual-fuel vessels, with a demonstrated shipyard application and a stated processing rate that targets both construction and in-port operational scenarios.

The AiP was announced at Gastech 2025 on 10 September.