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ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for its design of an advanced cargo handling system for very large ethane carriers (VLECs).

The design consists of a refrigerant-based reliquefication system and an ethane fuel supply system installed on the ship.

ABS completed design reviews

HD KSOE says the design, once developed, will help customers reduce operating costs

HD KSOE says the design, once developed, will help customers reduce operating costs. ABS completed design reviews in accordance with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels.

Transporting ethane requires advanced technology to maintain stable temperature and pressure. ABS is proud to use our industry-pioneering expertise in gas carriers to support forward-thinking clients like HD KSOE and their next-generation vessel designs,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

Certification of innovative systems

Young-Jun Nam, CEO of SD Business Unit at HD KSOE, said: “The completion of the development of a competitive ethane cargo handling system for VLECs is significant as it adds to our eco-friendly equipment value chain. In line with the market's transition to eco-friendly solutions, we will continue to develop various cargo handling systems to further strengthen our competitiveness.”

In 2024, ABS and HD KSOE signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance their collaboration on cutting-edge technologies, including the development and certification of innovative systems for next-generation vessels.

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