- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries successfully conducted the world’s first technical trial to recycle boil-off gas (BOG) generated during LNG-powered ship construction.
- The process converts evaporated LNG into usable urban energy, offering an alternative to flaring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The collaboration, involving Korean Register and Dongwha Newtech, highlights a breakthrough in sustainable shipyard operations aligned with future global AMP regulations.
In a landmark move for sustainable shipbuilding, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has conducted the first successful technical trial for recycling boil-off gas (BOG) during the construction of LNG-powered vessels at its shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. The demonstration marks a world-first application of this technology at the shipbuilding stage and sets a new benchmark for emissions reduction and resource efficiency in maritime manufacturing, as reported by Inspenet.
The initiative was a collaborative effort between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Dongwha Newtech, Korean Register (KR), and a Liberia-flagged shipping company. It directly addresses the mounting international restrictions on gas flaring and the growing requirement for alternative marine power (AMP) systems at port.
Revolutionizing LNG Construction Emissions
Typically, LNG stored in ship tanks evaporates due to rising internal pressure, generating BOG that is either burned or vented into the atmosphere—practices now facing stricter regulatory scrutiny. This trial captured the BOG and repurposed it as an energy source suitable for urban use. Using high-efficiency compressors developed by Dongwha Newtech, the project demonstrated that more than 50 tons of gas per vessel—previously wasted during construction—can be recovered and treated effectively.
Korean Register supervised the end-to-end process, including the design, testing, and validation of the technology. The trial reflects progress in transforming shipbuilding operations to align with global climate goals and port sustainability requirements.
Industry Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
HD Hyundai emphasized the strategic importance of this breakthrough, stating it was the “world’s first application of BOG recycling during shipbuilding.” The technology not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also aligns with the anticipated global expansion of AMP requirements.
KR reinforced its support for advancing maritime sustainability, affirming its dedication to certifying innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The demonstration offers a path forward for turning waste into energy and promoting a cleaner shipyard environment.
With the growing global momentum behind AMP mandates and decarbonization efforts, the use of recycled BOG as a supplementary energy source during vessel construction could soon become an industry standard.
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Source: Inspenet
