- The Liberian Registry awarded nine Approvals in Principle (AIPs) for advanced vessel designs and technologies during Gastech 2025 in Milan.
- The AIPs cover innovations such as wind-assisted propulsion, autonomous navigation, futuristic LNG carriers, SMR-powered ships, and advanced LNG fuel systems.
- Developed with leading Korean and Japanese partners and classification societies, these projects reinforce the Registry’s leadership in maritime innovation and sustainability.
The Liberian Registry, the world’s largest shipping registry, reaffirmed its pioneering role in shipping’s energy transition by awarding nine Approvals in Principle (AIPs) at the Gastech event in Milan. Developed through Joint Development Projects (JDPs) with South Korean and Japanese partners and supported by leading classification societies, the AIPs highlight collaborative progress toward sustainable and technologically advanced shipping solutions.
CEO Alfonso Castillero praised the Registry’s Innovation & Energy Transition Team for their dedication in moving transformative technologies from concept to reality. “We are not just preparing for the future of shipping — we are actively shaping it,” he noted, stressing the importance of technical excellence and regulatory certainty to support safe adoption of these innovations.
Scope of Awarded AIPs
The nine AIPs cover a broad range of vessel concepts and systems, each designed to enhance efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve operational safety. Highlights include:
- Forward Accommodation & Wind-Assisted Propulsion: LNG carriers, VLECs, and VLGCs featuring rotor sails to boost energy efficiency and cut emissions.
- Autonomous Navigation: Validation of the HiNAS optimization system and a futuristic automated LNG carrier integrating advanced automation technologies.
- Nuclear Propulsion: The world’s first AIP for an SMR-powered LNG carrier, applying next-generation nuclear technology to marine transport.
- Wind Propulsion Integration: LNG carriers equipped with the Wind Challenger system to harness renewable energy for propulsion.
- Port-Side Environmental Solutions: A boil-off gas (BOG) treatment system for LNG-fueled vessels at berth to improve environmental performance in ports.
- Advanced Fuel Storage: A novel high-pressure Type B LNG fuel tank for 16,000 TEU container ships, ensuring safe and efficient handling of low-flashpoint fuels.
Strengthening Collaboration
Each AIP was the result of collaboration between the Liberian Registry and a wide range of shipyards, technology providers, and classification societies, including HD HHI, HD KSOE, SHI, MOL, DNV, ABS, LR, KR, and others. The initiatives reflect a shared commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability across the maritime sector.
Participants and Future Outlook
The Liberian Registry’s Innovation & Energy Transition Team, represented by Thomas Klenum (Executive Vice President), J. S. Kim (Managing Director, LISCR Korea), and T. K. Im (Technical Manager, LISCR Korea), participated in the Gastech ceremonies.These achievements underscore the Registry’s proactive engagement in shaping the future of shipping, providing leadership in sustainability, technology adoption, and industry collaboration.
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Source: Assafinaonline
