LR and HD Hyundai Mipo Develop 22 000 m³ LNG Bunkering Vessel with AiP at Gastech 2025

Lloyd’s Register (LR) and HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) have launched a Joint Development Project (JDP) to design a 22 000 m³ LNG bunkering vessel. The project received an Approval in Principle (AiP) at the Gastech 2025 event in Milan.

The initiative aims to create a safe and commercially viable vessel that meets regulatory requirements to address the rising demand for LNG bunkering. The vessel’s enhanced capacity design could reduce bunkering time and frequency, lowering operational costs for operators. However, the larger size may present operational challenges in certain ports, requiring careful design considerations.

Sung-gu Park, LR North East Asia President, stated that this collaboration supports the development of the LNG bunkering supply chain, ensuring safe and scalable LNG supply for the growing LNG-fueled fleet. LR will conduct a thorough drawing appraisal and issue the AiP based on its classification guidelines and global standards.

The vessel is engineered for cost-effectiveness, operational safety, and compliance with upcoming regulations, offering owners a practical solution for LNG fuel distribution. Lee Dong-jin, HMD’s Executive Vice President and Head of Initial and Detailed Design Division, highlighted the increasing demand for LNG bunkering vessels due to the rise in LNG-fueled ships, noting that the AiP from LR strengthens HMD’s position in the expanding LNG bunkering market.

Additionally, LR has introduced LR Ports Advisory, a new service to help ports navigate current industry challenges.