The partners signed a joint development project (JDP) agreement on Tuesday at Posidonia 2026 to advance the design of an 185,000-cbm LNG carrier featuring a hybrid electric propulsion system, according to an LR statement.
Under the JDP, the partners will work on the development and safety verification of the vessel’s hybrid electric propulsion system, with a focus on strengthening system architecture, redundancy philosophy and battery integration.
The project also aims to develop guidance and technical requirements for this emerging technology, providing a framework to support wider adoption across the LNG carrier market, LR said.
For LR, early involvement will support the development of technical guidance in an area where formalized standards are still evolving, strengthening its ability to support future projects involving electric propulsion systems and low-carbon vessel concepts, the classification society said.
The partners expect the project to generate insights that extend beyond LNG carriers, informing future developments in electric propulsion, fuel cell integration and other advanced vessel concepts.
HD Hyundai Heavy won orders for ten LNG carriers this year.
This includes the most recent order for one LNG carrier tied to European alternative asset management platform Hayfin and eight LNG carriers ordered by Japan’s NYK and KKR-backed Ocean Yield for charter to US LNG exporter Cheniere.
On the other hand, HD Hyundai Samho booked orders for five LNG carriers this year, including the recent order for two three-tank LNG carriers by BW LNG and three LNG carriers for Sonangol.