대한조선주식회사

DHshipbuilding Secures Multiple International Certifications

for Eco-Friendly Ship Technology

DHshipbuilding is accelerating the development of decarbonized vessels by obtaining a series of international certifications for eco-friendly ship technologies from global classification societies.

On September 4, the company received Joint Development Project (JDP) certification from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its ammonia dual-fuel Suezmax crude oil tanker. Additionally, on September 6, DHshipbuilding obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for the conceptual design of an LNG dual-fuel shuttle tanker.

Approval in Principle (AIP) verifies that the vessel’s design concept meets the required technical standards and is suitable for further development and construction.

[From left: Lee Sang-chul, Head of Technical Division (DHshipbuilding), Kim Young-doo, Far East Technical Director (Lloyd’s Register), Yoon Byung-soo, Team Leader (Samsung Heavy Industries)]

Since September 2022, DHshipbuilding has been conducting a joint research project with Lloyd’s Register (LR) on next-generation ammonia-fueled ships. The project aims to develop eco-friendly vessels by the first quarter of 2025.

During this research, DHshipbuilding successfully achieved approximately 4% fuel efficiency improvement by applying Samsung Heavy Industries’ Air Lubrication System (ALS), known as 'SAVER Air.' The ALS creates an air layer along the ship’s hull to reduce frictional resistance during navigation, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

Ammonia dual-fuel ships are designed to operate using both conventional marine fuels and ammonia, requiring safety systems for fuel storage, supply, and handling. As ammonia produces no carbon emissions, it is gaining recognition as a next-generation eco-friendly marine fuel.

             [Photo 2. AIP Award Ceremony for Onboard Carbon Capture System]

On September 6, DHshipbuilding obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for the conceptual design of an LNG dual-fuel shuttle tanker. Shuttle tankers are specialized vessels used to transport crude oil from offshore production facilities to onshore storage terminals.

In 2022, DHshipbuilding successfully delivered its first shuttle tanker and, in February 2024, secured orders for three additional units, demonstrating its technical expertise in the global market. Given the current global fleet of around 70 shuttle tankers, and with environmental regulations driving the need for vessel replacements, industry forecasts indicate that up to 50 new orders could be placed by 2030.

In addition to the AIP for the LNG dual-fuel shuttle tanker, DHshipbuilding also obtained AIP for integrating Panasia’s Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage (OCCS) system into a Suezmax crude oil tanker.

Furthermore, since January 2024, DHshipbuilding has been conducting another Joint Development Project (JDP) with DNV on ammonia-fueled vessels, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly maritime solutions.

Lee Sang-chul, Head of DHshipbuilding’s Technical Division, stated, "In line with the IMO’s 2050 Net Zero initiative, we are steadily working to secure key technologies such as ammonia and LNG dual-fuel systems, carbon capture solutions, and biofuels. At the same time, we will continue fostering partnerships with local communities, academia, and government agencies to promote sustainable growth.”