Hyundai Heavy Industries, in a collaboration with Lloyd’s Register and Norsepower, has developed the design of an “Eco-Tanker,” a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) with a unique propulsion system combining wind power with natural gas. The design also includes a volatile organic compound (VOC) recovery system which mixes the VOC with the natural gas as fuel. VOC is naturally-occurring vapor from the cargo tank during operation. Wind-assist propulsion is provided by four Norsepower modern Flettner rotors.

Lloyd’s presented Hyundai with approval in principle (AiP) for the innovative design at the recent Nor-Shipping 2019 in Oslo, Norway.

Nick Brown, LR’s Marine & Offshore Director, presenting the AiP certificate, commented: “Lloyd’s Register is proud to award this AIP to HHI, with collaboration from Norsepower. LR has a unique expertise in the LNG field and alternative fuels, which is widely recognized by the market. This LNG-fuelled VLCC is a clear step towards meeting the IMO’s 2050 GHG goal.”