Korean Register (KR) - Experts & Thought Leaders

KR (Korean Register) has launched two new digital platforms, PILOT (Platform for Insightful LOw-emission Transitions) and POWER (Performance evaluation for Operational characteristics, Weather & aging Effect and fuel consumption Review), designed to support the shipping industry in developing optimal carbon-reduction strategies and enhancing operational efficiency. As the EU’s greenhouse gas regulations, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, are already in force, the delay in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) adoption of its Net-Zero Framework has heightened uncertainty over future global regulatory developments. KR’s new platforms Amid this complex landscape, shipping companies are seeking solutions that can help them evaluate various emission-reduction options and operational strategies based on objective data, while considering both cost and regulatory risks.  Developed in response to these industry needs, KR’s new platforms enable efficient and data-driven decision-making for sustainable fleet management. Vessel’s technical specifications PILOT allows users to design and assess customised greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction scenarios using each vessel’s technical specifications and operational data.  The platform automatically calculates vessel-specific emissions and compliance costs based on actual emission data reported to the IMO and the EU, while evaluating the cost-effectiveness and reduction potential of introducing energy-saving devices (ESDs) and alternative fuels to recommend the most viable strategies. It also supports the establishment of mid- to long-term plans by simulating possible future regulatory developments. Vessels’ current operational status Meanwhile, POWER visualises ship performance and fuel efficiency by analysing data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) along with weather and ocean condition information. This helps ship operators easily understand their vessels’ current operational status and identify areas for improvement, enabling them to formulate optimal, data-driven voyage strategies. Emission-reduction strategies LEE Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR said, “The shipping industry is facing the dual challenge of establishing practical emission-reduction strategies while improving operational efficiency under a changing regulatory environment." "PILOT and POWER embody KR’s accumulated expertise and data-driven analytical capabilities, providing shipowners intelligence that enables informed decisions and promotes the sustainable development of the maritime sector.” KR-PILOT and KR-POWER are available through KR’s integrated digital service platform, KR-DAON.

KR (Korean Register) brought together four major maritime digital solution providers, Avikus, LAB021, Mapsea, and Marineworks, through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote digital transformation across the maritime industry.  As global decarbonisation regulations tighten and digitalisation advances, demand is rising sharply for sophisticated digital solutions that support efficient ship operations and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Through this partnership, KR is spearheading cooperation with Korea’s top maritime software innovators, supporting customers in their digital transition, while enhancing the overall competitiveness of the maritime industry ecosystem. Broad framework Under the agreement, KR and its partners will work together on a broad framework that includes: Development and application of maritime digital solutions and data platforms Joint research and technology development in smart, autonomous, and low-carbon solutions Exchange of digital technologies to enhance maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency Coordinated efforts in business development, marketing, and public relations Each participating company offers its own distinctive expertise, which will be brought together under KR’s initiative: Avikus – AI-based autonomous navigation technology LAB021 – Ship operation optimisation and environmental compliance solutions Mapsea – Maritime big data analytics and real-time navigation services Marineworks – Customised Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) and fleet management systems Through this collaboration, KR will provide its customers access to a broad portfolio of tailored digital services, enabling them to select and apply the solutions that best fit their operational needs. Digital transformation YOON Sungho, Senior Executive Vice President of KR, stated: “Digital transformation is a vital challenge for the maritime industry, one that requires collaboration across diverse technologies and expertise. KR is working with renowned Korean software companies to ensure that digital solutions enhance ship safety, comply with international standards, and support clients worldwide as the industry navigates digital and environmental transitions.”

KR (Korean Register) announced on September 10 at Gastech 2025 that it has granted an Approval in Principle (AIP) for an LNG Boil-off Gas (BOG) Treatment System jointly developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and Donghwa Pneutec. The AIP, awarded in cooperation with the Liberian Registry (LISCR), is based on a concept proposed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).  BOG treatment system Newly developed BOG treatment system is designed for installation and operation both onboard vessels The newly developed BOG treatment system is designed for installation and operation both onboard vessels and along quays during berth. It can process up to 0.5 tonne of BOG per hour, converting it into city gas for onshore energy use.  This enables shipyards to recover BOG generated during vessel construction, thereby reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and fuel losses. Shipowners, in turn, can safely manage surplus gas during extended port stays or when Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) is required, ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.  Lifecycle of LNG dual-fueled vessels The joint development project was completed through close cooperation between the shipyard, equipment manufacturer, classification society, and flag administration, building upon HD KSOE’s concept design. The system is a practical solution to reduce carbon emissions across the full lifecycle of LNG dual-fueled vessels In June this year, the system was applied to an 8,000 TEU LNG dual-fueled containership under construction, where it successfully completed demonstration trials, verifying its performance.  The system is a practical solution to reduce carbon emissions across the full lifecycle of LNG dual-fueled vessels and is expected to contribute significantly to the maritime industries’ decarbonisation goals.  Greener shipbuilding for LNG-fueled vessels An Official from HD Hyundai said: “This AIP marks the world’s first validation of LNG boil-off gas treatment technology, underscoring our commitment to advancing greener shipbuilding for LNG-fueled vessels and driving decarbonisation across the maritime industry.”  Kwon Yungwoo, Vice Chairman & CEO of Donghwa Pneutec, noted: “This demonstration has once again validated the technological excellence of our LNG boil-off gas compressor. With AMP requirements expected to become mandatory, we anticipate this technology will see broader adoption across the industry.”  Greenhouse gas emissions from LNG-fueled vessels Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President of the Liberian Registry, added: “Built on a strong partnership, the successful completion of this project goes beyond a simple technological achievement. It provides an important foundation for advancing eco-friendly shipbuilding technologies from a full lifecycle perspective of LNG-fueled vessels.”  Lee Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, concluded: “This AIP marks a meaningful achievement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from LNG-fueled vessels, both during construction and while at berth. KR will continue to work closely with industry partners to ensure the smooth commercialisation of new technologies and to drive a more sustainable maritime industry.”