KR (Korean Register) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Korean Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) on applying Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA) techniques to the design of Type-C cargo tanks for liquefied gas carriers to ensure their structural safety.
The agreement was signed on June 3 at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo, Norway.
With the maritime industry accelerating its transition toward decarbonization, demand is growing for ships powered by alternative fuels such as LNG, ammonia, and hydrogen. These fuels are typically stored and transported in high-pressure, cryogenic liquefied form, requiring advanced safety measures for onboard containment systems. Therefore, ensuring the structural integrity of cargo tanks has become a critical element in next-generation, environmentally sustainable ship design.
This MoU represents a proactive response to these evolving needs. The three parties aim to improve the structural safety and design reliability of IMO Type-C independent tanks—one of the most widely adopted containment systems for low-emission vessels. Type-C tanks are commonly used on small to mid-sized gas carriers and bunkering vessels due to their structural independence and ability to store high-pressure cargo, and therefore require precise structural analysis to ensure safety.
To tackle these technical challenges, the partners will apply ECA — a fracture mechanics-based structural analysis method — from the early stages of design. ECA simulates potential crack propagation in metallic structures, and assesses whether they can safely withstand real-world operating conditions. The methodology is particularly well-suited for high-pressure, low-temperature environments such as those found in liquefied gas storage.
Under the agreement, HD Hyundai Mipo will conduct structural strength and fatigue assessments of the tanks, and HD KSOE will lead tank design and perform ECA-based structural evaluations. KR will review safety and compliance of the design in accordance with its classification rules and the international convention (IGC Code), with the goal of issuing an Approval in Principle (AIP).
Lee Dong-jin, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Mipo, commented: “Through this collaboration, we aim to secure AIP and further strengthen our competitiveness in the green ship market. We will continue to lead the industry through the development of high-value-added technologies.”
Lee Dong-ju, Senior Vice President of HD KSOE, said: “This project marks meaningful progress in ensuring both structural safety and design rationality of fuel tanks for green ships through the application of advanced structural evaluation techniques. We remain committed to advancing design and manufacturing technologies for environmentally friendly vessels.”
Kim Han-se, Senior Vice President of HD KSOE SD Business Unit, stated: “The joint development effort is expected to enhance the competitiveness of independent tanks in the high-value, eco-friendly vessel market. We are dedicated to delivering safe and efficient tank solutions tailored to the evolving demands of global shipowners, leveraging our advanced design and evaluation expertise.”
Yeon Kyujin, Senior Vice President of KR, added: “This collaboration serves as a meaningful opportunity to integrate the ECA methodology into the design of liquefied gas tanks. KR will continue to provide robust technical support for the advancement of sustainable vessel technologies across the shipbuilding sector.” -TradeArabia News Service
