ABS has granted approval in principle (AIP) for a nuclear-powered 15,000 TEU containership, developed in collaboration with KRISO and KAERI. Featuring a small modular reactor, this design aims to assess the feasibility of nuclear commercial shipping, marking a significant milestone in advancing next-generation maritime technology.
ABS has granted approval in principle to Samsung Heavy Industries for a 50-megawatt floating data center design. Utilizing a standardized shipbuilding process, this innovative approach enhances efficiency and reduces lead times. The initiative addresses the growing demand for data centers, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence and sustainable energy solutions.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Greenroom Robotics for its GAMA maritime autonomy software. This milestone, the first of its kind, signals a significant advancement in maritime robotics. GAMA employs AI for autonomous navigation, enhancing vessel monitoring and decision-making while ensuring compliance with BV regulations.
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) has unveiled a new wind-assisted 175,000 m³ LNG carrier, receiving Approval in Principle from Bureau Veritas. This vessel features a hybrid propulsion system with foldable wing sails, promising over 5% energy savings and a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for a floating offshore substation design tailored for deepwater wind farms. This innovative concept features a robust structural health management system, enhancing asset integrity and enabling efficient electricity transmission from wind turbines to onshore grids.
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC) has unveiled a wind-assisted LNG carrier design with a capacity of 175,000 cubic meters, aimed at decarbonization. This vessel, featuring LNG dual-fuel propulsion and advanced foldable wing sails, promises over 5% energy consumption reduction, significantly lowering CO₂ emissions in maritime operations.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Rondal for its innovative Aero Wing Sail, following a comprehensive assessment aligned with LR’s Guidance Notes on Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems. This milestone, presented at Metstrade 2025 in Amsterdam, marks significant progress in sustainable marine technology for large yachts and multihulls.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received Approval in Principle (AIP) for its ammonia vent treatment system from ABS and LISCR. This innovative system employs compact scrubbers to safely manage ammonia emissions during purging, ensuring environmental compliance and supporting sustainable shipping practices in the maritime industry.
Lloyd’s Register has granted Approval in Principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for its next-generation LNG carrier design. This innovative vessel features a forward accommodation layout and an integrated Wind Challenger, enhancing propulsion efficiency and allowing for future integration of alternative fuels and battery storage to meet evolving regulations.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Samsung Heavy Industries have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by obtaining the world’s first Approval in Principle for an LNG carrier powered by a small modular salt reactor. This innovative reactor technology promises enhanced safety and efficiency, marking a significant advancement in maritime drive technology.
ClassNK has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fueled LPG/NH3 carrier, a collaboration between Kawasaki Heavy Industries and MITSUI E&S. This certification confirms the vessel’s compliance with regulatory and safety standards, marking a significant advancement in the maritime industry’s shift towards zero-carbon fuels like ammonia.
ABS has granted approval in principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for a floating small modular reactor (SMR) power module. This innovative design aims to generate electricity offshore, supporting port facilities and surrounding communities while promoting clean energy solutions.
At the NOR-Shipping Messe Fair, DNV awarded HD Hyundai Heavy Industries an Approval in Principle for its innovative 40,000 CBM liquefied CO₂ carrier design. By reducing the number of freight tanks from four to three, the design enhances operational efficiency and simplifies maintenance, marking a significant advancement in CO₂ transportation technology.
Cummins has recently received Approval in Principle from DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III engines, with power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp. This validates Cummins’ methanol dual-fuel solution for the marine market. Retrofit kits for diesel-electric systems are planned post-2028 to enhance efficiency and sustainability, reducing carbon emissions.
