Hanwha Ocean and KR set sights on next-gen ammonia and LNG carriers

South Korean shipbuilding major Hanwha Ocean and compatriot classification society Korean Register (KR) have joined forces to develop an ultra-large ammonia carrier and a forward deckhouse LNG carrier.

The collaboration was formalized through two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed on June 3.

The first agreement covers the joint development of an ultra-large 150,000 cubic meter (cbm) vessel capable of transporting substantial volumes of ammonia while utilizing ammonia as marine fuel, with an emphasis on safety design, given the toxicity and corrosiveness of ammonia.

As part of this project, Hanwha Ocean will lead the vessel’s basic design, including gas dispersion analysis and toxic zone layout mapping based on various leakage scenarios, to ensure rapid emergency response capabilities.

KR will assess the design’s safety and technical feasibility in accordance with international regulations and classification rules, with the aim of granting an approval in principle (AiP).

The second MoU envisons the joint development of an LNG carrier featuring a deckhouse positioned at the bow.

According to KR, the concept offers enhanced layout flexibility, with the optimized hull form design expected to reduce wind resistance and improve