DNV has awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries  an Approval in Principle  certificate for their new 271,000 CBM LNG carrier  design. The AiP was presented to Mr. Hong Ryeul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of HD HHI, by Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager for Korea and Japan at DNV, during a ceremony held at Gastech 2026.

The 271K Twin Skeg LNG Carrier represents HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ largest LNGC design to date, maximizing the cargo carrying capability of the Q-Max class through optimizing the overall vessel dimensions. Featuring an arrangement of five membrane type cargo tanks, the design has been developed to offer enhanced cargo and operational flexibility in comparison with conventional LNG carriers. And despite its larger cargo capacity, the vessel would still be able to transit both the Suez and Panama canals, with the intention of providing buyers and operators greater trading and deployment flexibility.

Equipped with a highly efficient IMO NOx Tier III compliant dual fuel propulsion system, and an enhanced cargo handling system that incorporates a reliquefaction plant, the design also integrates various AI powered technologies to provide intelligent voyage support, operational monitoring, and energy optimization. In addition, the vessel utilizes an optimized hull form for better propulsion performance with several energy saving devices (ESD), including HD Hyundai’s Hi-ARS (Air Resistance Saver) for wind pressure reduction. These technologies are all designed to contribute to the goal of lowering fuel consumption and emissions to air, as well as improving overall performance, in response to the increasingly stringent environmental regulations on the shipping industry.

Mr. Hong Ryeul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President & CTO, HD HHI, said: “Through our newly unveiled 271K LNG carrier design, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in large-scale energy transport. Combining the largest cargo carrying capability, operational efficiency, and readiness for future eco-friendly technologies, the 271K LNG Carrier design represents another significant milestone that reflects our extensive experience and expertise in the global LNG carrier market.”

Vidar Dolonen, Regional Manager for Korea & Japan, DNV, added: “We are continuing to see the demand for larger and more efficient vessels in the LNG trade, as an important energy option on loand and increasingly for vessels. We are pleased to work with HD HHI to help them in advancing innovative designs that can address the needs of the current market, while looking to future industry expectations.”

An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent evaluation of a concept based on a predefined framework of requirements. It confirms the feasibility of the design and ensures there are no significant technical obstacles hindering its implementation.