HD HHI Secures DNV AiP for Largest 271K CBM LNG Carrier Design | Mariner News

DNV has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its new 271,000 CBM LNG carrier (LNGC) design, marking HD HHI’s largest LNGC development to date. This design aims to maximize the cargo carrying capability within the Q-Max class by optimizing overall vessel dimensions, a significant step in enhancing operational economies of scale for LNG transport. The AiP was presented at Gastech 2026.

The 271K Twin Skeg LNG Carrier features an arrangement of five membrane type cargo tanks, designed to offer increased cargo and operational flexibility compared to conventional LNG carriers. Crucially, despite its larger capacity, the vessel is engineered to transit both the Suez and Panama canals. This canal-transiting capability provides buyers and operators with greater trading and deployment flexibility, directly addressing potential route limitations often associated with larger vessels and opening up more globalized employment opportunities.

Equipped with an IMO NOx Tier III compliant dual fuel propulsion system, the design also incorporates an enhanced cargo handling system that includes a reliquefaction plant. This feature aims to improve cargo integrity and operational efficiency by managing boil-off gas. Additionally, the design integrates various AI-powered technologies, signaling a move towards more advanced and optimized vessel management systems. The development positions HD HHI to set a new benchmark for capacity and operational versatility within the large-scale LNG carrier segment.