DNV said in a statement that the new design aims to deliver improved operational efficiency and enhanced terminal compatibility compared to previous vessel designs.
The M0U was signed by Vidar Dolonen, regional manager for Korea & Japan at DNV, and Ryu Hongryeul, chief technology officer at HD HHI, during the Gastech fair in Milan last week.
Under the agreement, DNV will carry out design verification of HD HHI’s streamlined LNG carrier, focusing on ensuring higher efficiency in operations and better compatibility with a wider range of terminals worldwide.
Hongryeul said the dimensional optimized compact 200,000-cbm LNG carrier represents “our dedication to advancing ship design to meet customer needs including terminal compatibility.”
“Through this partnership with DNV, we will further enhance the performance and operational flexibility of our vessels,” Hongryeul said.
HD Hyundai Heavy did not win orders for new LNG carriers this year.
The company’s LNG carrier backlog as of the end of July stood at 52 vessels.
In June, HD Hyundai Heavy secured an order to build eight LNG dual-fuel container vessels valued at about $1.76 billion.
These vessels with a capacity of 15,900 teu are tied to Ocean Network Express (ONE), a joint venture of Japan’s NYK, MOL, and K Line.
Earlier this year, French shipping giant CMA CGM also ordered 12 LNG dual-fuel containerships with a capacity of 18,000 teu from HD Hyundai Heavy.
This order is worth about $2.59 billion.
