DNV validates Hanwha Ocean’s LNG fuel tank innovation with AiP for 16,000 TEU containership design

AT the AiP handover at Gastech 2025 (from left): Tae Kyung Im, LISCR, Jung Sik Kim, LISCR, Thomas Klenum, EVP, LISCR, Jeoung-Sun Lee, SVP, Head of Basic Engineering Dept., Hanwha Ocean, Sung Ho Shin, Regional Business Development Manager, Do Wook Kang, DNV.

(IN BRIEF) DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle to Hanwha Ocean for its newly developed high-pressure Type B LNG fuel tank for 16,000 TEU containerships, announced at Gastech 2025. The design increases the vapor pressure limit from 0.7 bar to 1 bar, extending vapor holding time and improving efficiency compared with conventional Type B tanks. The innovation makes the fuel system better suited for large containerships while enhancing sustainability and operational flexibility. Hanwha Ocean COO Sang Don Kang highlighted the importance of this step in developing cost-effective and sustainable solutions, while DNV’s Vidar Dolonen emphasized the role of collaboration in advancing LNG fuel tank technology for the energy transition. The AiP confirms the feasibility of the design and its readiness for future deployment.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 12-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Hanwha Ocean for its newly developed high-pressure Type B LNG fuel tank design for 16,000 TEU containerships, unveiled during Gastech 2025. The recognition marks an important step in advancing LNG fuel tank technology to support more efficient and sustainable shipping.

The innovative design raises the maximum design vapor pressure of the Type B LNG fuel tank from the IGF Code limit of 0.7 bar to 1 bar. This extension of vapor holding time significantly improves fuel efficiency and operational flexibility, while also addressing the long-standing performance gap between Type B and Type C tanks. The solution is tailored for Hanwha Ocean’s standard 16,000 TEU vessels, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in sustainable shipbuilding.

Sang Don Kang, Chief Operating Officer of Hanwha Ocean, commented:
“This AiP is a meaningful step forward for Hanwha Ocean. By improving the pressure and vapor holding capacity of our LNG fuel tanks, we are not only enhancing performance but also contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective shipping solutions.”

Vidar Dolonen, DNV Regional Manager for Korea & Japan, added:
“As LNG continues to play an important role in the energy transition, it is essential to keep advancing fuel tank technology to improve efficiency and reduce turnaround times. This AiP demonstrates the value of close collaboration between DNV and Hanwha Ocean, combining our technical expertise with their innovation to verify the feasibility of new solutions that can support the industry’s operational needs.”

An Approval in Principle is an independent evaluation of a design concept within a defined framework of requirements. It verifies technical feasibility and confirms that no significant barriers exist for implementation, further validating Hanwha Ocean’s LNG fuel tank innovation.

Media Contact:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime
margrethe.andersen@dnv.com
Phone: +47 47 68 22 89

SOURCE: DNV