South Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Lloyd’s Register (LR) are joining forces to design 180,000 dwt class bulk carriers.
Under a joint development project (JDP) unveiled at Nor-Shipping 2017, the companies said that these designs will meet the latest market needs by using LNG as a fuel, with an optimum design for short to medium-haul bulk trade and long-haul bulk trade service in line with the Harmonised Common Structural Rules.
Since the introduction of the IMO’s NOx and SOx emission limitations, and increased developments in the global supply of gas, there is a continued need for ship designs to evolve to provide further alternatives to traditional oil-fuelled designs. As new building orders in larger size ranges are expected, a 180,000 dwt class bulk carrier was selected for this design development project.
“These HHI designs offer the possibility for owners to comply with emissions regulations worldwide while keeping the investment viable and competitive,” David Barrow, LR’s Director of Innovation, Marketing & Sales, said.
“We sincerely believe this JDP will bring environmentally-friendly and economical solutions for future bulk carrier designs and be remembered as a milestone in shipbuilding history,” Bong-Jun Jang, HHI’s Senior Executive Vice President, added.