Innovative LNG BOG Treatment System for Sustainable Shipbuilding

The Korean Register (KR) has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Donghwa Pneutec for their jointly developed LNG Boil-off Gas (BOG) Treatment System. The announcement was made on September 10, 2025, at Gastech 2025 in collaboration with the Liberian Registry.

This system, designed for use both onboard vessels and at berth, can process up to 0,5 tonnes of BOG per hour, converting it into city gas for onshore energy purposes. KR Chairman and CEO Lee Hyungchul stated that this AiP represents a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from LNG-fueled vessels during construction and while at berth, with KR committed to working closely with industry partners to ensure the smooth commercialization of new technologies and promote a more sustainable maritime industry.

Based on a concept by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the system enables shipyards to lower greenhouse gas emissions and fuel losses during vessel construction. It also offers shipowners a solution to manage excess gas during prolonged dockings or when Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) is required, aligning with increasingly strict environmental regulations. The technology was successfully tested in June on an 8 000 TEU LNG dual-fueled containership, proving its effectiveness. Donghwa Pneutec Vice Chairman and CEO Kwon Yungwoo highlighted that the demonstration reaffirmed the technological excellence of their LNG boil-off gas compressor, with broader adoption expected as AMP requirements become mandatory.

The system’s application across the full lifecycle of LNG dual-fueled vessels is anticipated to significantly contribute to the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts. An official from HD Hyundai noted that this AiP marks the world’s first validation of LNG boil-off gas treatment technology, underscoring their commitment to greener shipbuilding and decarbonization in the maritime sector. In a related development, KR and HD Hyundai Samho signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a safety system for ammonia-fueled vessels.