Shipbuilder receives AIP certification from Korean Register at Posidonia expo in Athens

HJ Heavy Industries CEO Yu Sang-cheol (right) and Korean Register Executive Vice President Jo Byeong-sam sign an approval in principle (AIP) certificate for a 10,000-TEU biofuel-powered container ship at Posidonia, held at the Metropolitan Expo Center in Athens, Greece, on June 4, local time. [HJ Heavy Industries]
HJ Heavy Industries CEO Yu Sang-cheol (right) and Korean Register Executive Vice President Jo Byeong-sam sign an approval in principle (AIP) certificate for a 10,000-TEU biofuel-powered container ship at Posidonia, held at the Metropolitan Expo Center in Athens, Greece, on June 4, local time. [HJ Heavy Industries]

HJ Heavy Industries said Friday it has received approval in principle (AIP) from the Korean Register (KR) for a 10,000-TEU biofuel-powered container ship design. One TEU equals one 20-foot container unit.

The two organizations held a certification signing ceremony June 4, local time, at Posidonia, a shipbuilding and maritime exhibition at the Metropolitan Expo Center in Athens, Greece. HJ Heavy Industries CEO Yu Sang-cheol and Korean Register Executive Vice President Jo Byeong-sam attended the event.

Marine biofuel blends plant- and animal-based oils with conventional fossil fuel-based bunker oil at a set ratio to reduce carbon emissions. The fuel has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens carbon emission regulations and the EU introduces new environmental rules.

Last year, HJ Heavy Industries partnered with the Korean Register to secure the relevant technology, applying a biofuel propulsion system to a 10,000-TEU container ship it was building and conducting research. The company completed the technology development last month and obtained the certification June 4.

The certification is significant because both organizations have officially confirmed the technical feasibility and safety of the system. HJ Heavy Industries said it expects to win future orders by securing high-value-added eco-friendly technology for mid- to large-sized 10,000-TEU biofuel-powered container ships.

"Developing biofuel propulsion technology for container ships is expected to have a positive effect on our sales and order activities in the eco-friendly vessel market," CEO Yu said. "Building decarbonized ships is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we will strengthen our technological competitiveness to earn the trust of shipowners."


keg@heraldcorp.com