According to a statement by ABS, it handed over the approval in principle to KSOE last month.
ABS said the subcooling refrigeration system is a “key advancement” in cargo temperature management for LNG carriers.
Unlike conventional systems that rely on a single gaseous refrigerant, the subcooling system utilizes a mixed refrigerant of both gas and liquid, which HD KSOE believes enhances refrigeration efficiency by more than 10 percent.
This approach mitigates the risk of boil-off gas by supercooling LNG to temperatures below -170° C, helping maintain optimal cargo integrity during transit, ABS said.
In addition, ABS issued a second AIP to HD KSOE for the development of an advanced cargo handling and re-liquefaction system tailored for ethane carriers, adaptable to vessels of various capacities.
Given stringent requirements for stable temperature and pressure in ethane transportation, this system is designed to enhance operational efficiency while mitigating associated risks, ABS said.
HD KSOE and its subsidiaries booked five liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers between January and August of this year.
According to the group, HD Hyundai Samho secured orders for the five LNG carriers, while HD Hyundai Heavy did not win LNG carrier orders during the period.
Additionally, HD Hyundai Mipo secured orders to build six LNG bunkering vessels during the period.
As of the end of August, HD Hyundai Heavy had 49 LNG carriers on order, while HD Hyundai Samho had 40 LNG carriers in its order book.

