A new partnership has been formed to develop a new generation of LNG carrier designs using hybrid electric propulsion.
Lloyd’s Register, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) signed an approval in principle (AIP) at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok to advance the design of a 185,000m3 LNG carrier featuring a hybrid electric propulsion system.
Under the AIP, the partners will work on the development and safety verification of the vessel’s hybrid electric propulsion system, with a focus on strengthening system architecture, redundancy philosophy and battery integration.
The project also aims to develop guidance and technical requirements for this emerging technology, providing a framework to support wider adoption across the LNG carrier market.
The partners expect the project to generate insights that extend beyond LNG carriers, informing future developments in electric propulsion, fuel cell integration and other advanced vessel concepts.
Andy McKeran, chief growth officer at Lloyd’s Register, said, “Hybrid electric propulsion has clear potential to support efficiency gains and emissions reduction, but its application at this scale requires a robust approach to design and safety. By working in partnership from the earliest stages, we can help shape practical, reliable solutions that support wider deployment across the industry.”
Hongryeul Ryu, executive vice president and CTO of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, commented, “HD HHI has proactively adopted eco-friendly technologies to comply with environmental regulations. Through this recent project, we were able to identify the various advantages and disadvantages of applying an advanced electric propulsion system.”
Kwang-Pil Chang, senior executive vice president of the Advanced Research Center at HD KSOE, noted that electric propulsion was “at the heart” of the maritime industry’s transition toward more sustainable and efficient vessels. “Through close collaboration with our partners, we will continue to strengthen our technological leadership and shape the future of electric shipping,” he said.
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