LR and NSML sign MoU to boost maritime skills and training in West Africa
LR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) to expand access to maritime training and advisory services across West Africa.
The agreement brings together NSML’s strong local presence and training infrastructure, including its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCoE) in Bonny, with LR’s global technical leadership and advisory capabilities.
Ngozi Gwam, Business Director and Senior Representative for Africa, LR, said: “Today’s MoU with NSML is more than a collaboration — it is a strategic alignment of strengths. It reflects our commitment to working with trusted partners to deliver solutions that are globally benchmarked yet locally relevant. Seafarers are at the heart of shipping’s transition, and through this partnership we will equip them with the skills to operate safely, sustainably, and in compliance with evolving regulatory and environmental requirements.
“With NSML’s Maritime Centre of Excellence and LR’s international expertise, we are building a platform for capacity development that meets today’s needs and prepares for tomorrow’s opportunities. This collaboration advances the objectives of the MoU, from training and advisory services to governance, safety, and innovation, while delivering impact not just for Nigeria and West Africa, but for Africa’s maritime industry and the shipping industry as a whole.”
LR awards AiP for 174K LNG Carrier with Wind Challenger technology
LR granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for the design of a 174,000m³ LNG carrier equipped with Wind Challenger, an innovative wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL).
SHI led the vessel’s design, while LR carried out the independent design review in accordance with its rules and regulations. The Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), acting as the flag administration, has supported the project throughout, ensuring regulatory compliance. Together, the partners have proven the feasibility, safety and performance of integrating a large-scale WAPS on an LNG carrier, paving the way for future adoption across the sector.
Panos Mitrou, LR's Global Gas Segment Director, said: “Wind-assisted propulsion technologies are emerging as an important part of the industry’s journey to decarbonisation. By working closely with our project partners, LR is proud to support the safe and effective integration of the Wind Challenger onto a large LNG carrier design.”
LR and HD Hyundai Mipo Collaborate on 22K CBM LNG bunkering vessel design
LR and HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) announced a Joint Development Project (JDP) to design a 22,000 CBM class LNG bunkering vessel.
The project, formally recognised with an Approval in Principle (AiP) ceremony at Gastech, aims to deliver a safe, commercially viable and regulation-compliant vessel to meet the rising demand for LNG bunkering.
The 22K design offers increased delivery capacity, which potentially reduces bunkering time and frequency, lowering costs for operators, while allowing HMD to meet the evolving needs of charterers. However, the larger size may encounter operational restrictions in certain ports, requiring careful design consideration.
LR will conduct a full drawing appraisal and issue the AiP in accordance with its classification rules and international standards. The vessel will be optimised for cost-efficiency, operational safety and future compliance, offering shipowners a practical solution for LNG fuel delivery.
Sung-gu Park, LR’s North East Asia President, said: “This collaboration demonstrates a joint effort to support the roll-out of the LNG bunkering supply chain. By integrating technical development with regulatory standards, we can deliver safely, adequate volumes of LNG to ensure supply at scale for the growing LNG fuelled fleet.”
LR approves HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ forward accommodation LNG carrier design
LR awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for its next-generation LNG carrier design featuring a forward accommodation layout and integrated Wind Challenger, wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL).
Developed in collaboration with MOL and the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, the new design relocates the accommodation and bridge block from its conventional aft position to the bow. This fore-deckhouse configuration offers the opportunity for reduced aerodynamic drag, improved propulsion efficiency and potential lower fuel consumption.
The forward accommodation layout provides a clear and unobstructed open deck space above cargo area, allowing for optimal placement and increasing number of WAPS technologies such as MOL’s Wind Challenger. This open deck space provides flexibility to accommodate varying sail numbers, types and spacing.
The design also supports future integration of alternative fuel modules, and battery storage, making it adaptable to evolving fuels, regulations and owner requirements.
The AiP follows LR’s extensive technical evaluation of the concept’s safety, feasibility and regulatory compliance. This included a full review of applicable IMO requirements, class rules and industry guidelines, supported by structured risk assessments including HAZID.
Panos Mitrou, LR's Global Gas Segment Director, said: “This AiP reflects LR’s commitment to enabling the safe deployment of innovative technologies that support the maritime industry’s transition to net zero. By working closely with our project partners, we help demonstrate the technical feasibility and commercial value of forward-thinking vessel design.”
AiP for innovative VLGC with forward accommodation and wind-assisted propulsion
LR awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for a new Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) design that features a forward accommodation block and integration of wind assisted propulsion systems (WAPS). The announcement was made during a ceremony at Gastech 2025.
By relocating the bridge and accommodation block to the bow, the vessel’s aerodynamic profile is dramatically improved, reducing headwind resistance and improving overall propulsion efficiency.
The fore-deckhouse configuration also provides clear, unobstructed space from midship to the stern, allowing for optimised sail spacing and placement of WAPS technologies. This flexibility also supports integration of other sustainable technologies such as onboard carbon capture systems (OCCS), alternative fuel modules for ammonia or hydrogen, and battery energy storage systems.
The AiP was awarded in collaboration with the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), whose involvement will support future regulatory alignment and flag approval pathways.
Panos Mitrou, LR's Global Gas Segment Director, said: “By rethinking traditional vessel architecture and embracing wind-assisted propulsion, this design shows how class, flag state, and industry can collaborate to enable practical, scalable solutions in line with GHG intensity ambition.”
LR awards AiP to KNCC’s Elevated Pressure LCO₂ cargo system
LR granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers (KNCC) for its Elevated Pressure Liquefied Carbon Dioxide (LCO₂-EP) cargo containment system. The AiP was awarded in a ceremony at Gastech 2025 in Milan.
Designed to transport LCO₂ at elevated pressures, KNCC’s system reduces the need for ultra-low carriage temperatures, simplifying containment requirements and offering shipowners greater flexibility in vessel design.
The design was comprehensively reviewed by LR as part of a joint development project between the two companies. LR provided technical input and guidance throughout the process to support further refinement ahead of commercial deployment.
Panos Mitrou, LR's Global Gas Segment Director, said: “We are pleased to grant Approval in Principle to KNCC’s Elevated Pressure system, recognising it as a safe, practical technology that can support the maritime LCO₂ sector and contribute to the development and the scaling up of the new carbon dioxide value chain. ”
LR approves SHI’s next-generation SnapWind Float offshore wind design
LR granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its new Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) design, SnapWind Float.
Announced this week at Gastech 2025 in Milan, SnapWind Float has been developed to deliver floating wind solutions that can unlock deeper water sites and higher-capacity renewable energy sites worldwide.
In addition, the SnapWind Float design is optimised for the development of floating offshore wind farms in regions where skilled workforce, heavy lifting equipment and sufficient workspace are limited.
SHI’s engineering team completed the concept and basic design, while LR carried out a comprehensive review, in accordance with its rules and international standards, to verify the feasibility and safety of the design and clears the way for its progression towards commercial deployment.
Sean van der Post, LR’s Global Offshore Business Director, said: “As the offshore wind industry seeks new solutions to unlock deeper waters and higher capacity sites, the SnapWind Float demonstrates significant progress toward establishing floating wind as a commercially sustainable solution at scale.”
