DNV at Posidonia: DNV awards AiP to HHI for LPG dual-fuel container vessel design

Piraeus, June 4, 2026 — DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for its new LPG dual-fuel 1,400 TEU container vessel design. The certificate was presented to Hongryeul Ryu, CTO from HHI by Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager at DNV during the Posidonia trade fair.

For container vessels, LNG has been the main alternative fuel choice, but LPG is potentially an equally interesting option offering an additional pathway to enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions. In application it can offer a compelling balance of capital and operating costs, with less complex fuel system and fuel handling characteristics, resulting in a more straightforward vessel design.

To help the underserved smaller container segment take advantage of these benefits, HHI has developed a new LPG dual-fuel 1400TEU design that utilizes an arrangement similar to LNG systems, to reduce technical risk while maintaining operational reliability. The concept design adopts a forward accommodation arrangement to maximize container cargo capacity, while ensuring crew segregation from hazardous zones.

In addition, the Type-C LPG storage tank, LPG Low Flashpoint Fuel Supply System (LFSS), and bunker station are strategically positioned on the aft open deck, to optimize cargo handling operations and further reduce potential risks to the accommodation area. In addition, a composite boiler integrated with an LPG Gas Combustion Unit (GCU) function has been incorporated for efficient boil-off gas (BOG) management.

Hongryeul Ryu, CTO of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, commented: “Receiving DNV’s AiP for our first LPG dual-fuel container vessel design reflects our commitment to developing practical and scalable solutions for maritime decarbonization. By positioning LPG as a transition fuel and building on proven technologies, we are able to deliver a solution that balances efficiency, cost, and environmental performance while minimizing technical risk.”

Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager Korea & Japan, DNV Maritime, said: "Over the past few years we have been steadily moving towards a multi-fuel maritime industry. But as we do, it is important to keep many pathways open and give owners and operators in different segments and sizes practical newbuilding options. This new design provides the small container segment a credible path towards lowered emissions today, balancing outlays while preserving flexibility through an arrangement that can be adapted to net-zero options. We are very pleased to award HHI this AiP and it again demonstrates the forward-looking attitude of Korean yards who push ahead to a more sustainable maritime future."

An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent assessment of a concept within a defined framework of requirements. It confirms the feasibility of the design and verifies that no significant technical barriers exist to its implementation.