DNV Awards AiP to HD Hyundai Mipo for 2nd generation LR2 tanker design

Oslo, 6 June 2025: As part of the Nor-Shipping trade fair, DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Mipo for a new second-generation LR2 tanker design featuring a hydraulically driven cargo pumping system from Framo. The new design has the potential to significantly enhance safety, cargo handling performance, and energy efficiency.

Image 1: Celebrating the AiP handover at the DNV booth

The key feature of the new design is the elimination of the traditional pump room. This not only increases cargo capacity, but also removes a hazardous area, with the goal of significantly enhancing the overall safety of both the vessel and its crew. Other design features include: a simplified cargo piping system with all valves and pipes located on deck, eliminating piping penetrations between segregations as well as the use of one submerged pump per tank for complete cargo segregation, minimizing the risk of contamination. All together these features are tailored to enable faster, more efficient cargo operations, with reduced turnaround time, and increased vessel utilization.

Dongjin Lee, EVP/Head of Initial Design Div. & Detailed Design Div., at HD Hyundai Mipo, said: “This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering next-generation solutions that meet both operational and environmental expectations. Through this collaboration with DNV and Framo, we have developed a design that not only enhances safety and efficiency but also offers tangible environmental benefits. Depending on the operational profile, we calculate that this design could reduce fuel consumption by up to 800 MT annually - contributing directly to lower emissions and improved sustainability for our customers.”

The vessel is also equipped with deck-mounted cargo heaters, removing the need for in-tank heating coils. This is designed to minimize slop generation and allow for quicker, more effective tank cleaning, again with the goal of reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Chief Operating Officer, DNV Maritime, added: “We are proud to award this AiP to HD Hyundai Mipo for a design that clearly demonstrates their innovative sprit and goal of driving the tanker industry forwards. This second-generation LR2 tanker design is a great example of how close collaboration can lead to improvements in both performance and sustainability. With this AiP, they also show that they are putting safety at the forefront of innovation, by building on the basis of the world’s most advanced classification standards.”

An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent evaluation of a concept based on a predefined framework of requirements. It confirms the feasibility of the design and ensures there are no significant technical obstacles hindering its implementation.

Image 2: (left) Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Chief Operating Officer, DNV Maritime, (right) presents the AiP to Dong-Hyon Woo, Head of Hull Initial Design & Technology Strategy at HD Hyundai Mipo.