Liberian Registry Leads Flag State Innovation with Nine Approvals in Principle Awarded at Gastech Milan

Milan, Italy – September 12, 2025 - The Liberian Registry, the world’s largest shipping registry, has once again demonstrated its pioneering role in maritime innovation and energy transition by awarding nine Approvals in Principle (AIPs) during this week’s prestigious Gastech event in Milan. Developed in collaboration with South Korean and Japanese industry partners, together with major classification societies, these AIPs were presented for a series of cutting-edge Joint Development Projects (JDPs), reinforcing the Registry’s position as the flag state driving technological advancement and sustainability in the shipping industry. 

“These groundbreaking Approvals in Principle are a testament to the exceptional work of our Innovation & Energy Transition Team, whose expertise and dedication continue to position the Liberian Registry at the forefront of maritime innovation. These AIPs represent a shared vision with our global partners to overcome the industry's most complex challenges. We are not just anticipating the future of shipping - we are actively building it. Our role is to work in collaboration with high-quality and forward-looking stakeholders to provide technical excellence and regulatory certainty that allows such transformative technologies to move safely from the drawing board to the high seas," stated  Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian Registry.

The awarded AIPs span a wide range of transformative technologies and vessel designs, including forward accommodation and wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), autonomous navigation for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction, futuristic automated LNG carriers, and advanced fuel systems for LNG-fueled vessels. Each project reflects the Liberian Registry’s commitment to supporting innovation across shipyards, classification societies, technology providers, and shipowners.

The nine AiP ceremonies celebrated the successful outcome of the following JDPs:

1. LNG Carrier with Forward Accommodation & Wind Assisted Propulsion System

HD HHI & HD KSOE, DNV, Liberian Registry

A 174K CBM LNG Carrier featuring forward accommodation and rotor sails to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The concept design complies with internationally recognized requirements.

2.  VLEC with Forward Accommodation & Wind Assisted Propulsion System

HD HHI & HD KSOE, DNV, Liberian Registry

A VLEC featuring forward accommodation and rotor sails for wind-assisted propulsion. The concept design aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions, and complies with internationally recognized requirements.

3. Fuel Saving Verification with ISO 17741 for HiNAS 

HMM & AVIKUS, KR, Liberian Registry

The HiNAS voyage optimization system has been successfully deployed and validated on two HMM vessels. Performance assessment, conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards, substantiated the system’s proven effectiveness in achieving measurable fuel savings and enhancing operational efficiency.

4. The Futuristic Automated LNG Carrier

HD HHI & HD KSOE, SK Shipping, AVIKUS, LR, Liberian Registry

An LNG Carrier concept integrating advanced automation and autonomous navigation technologies. The concept design aims to set new standards for smart shipping and the optimization of crew operational demands.

5. VLGC with Forward Accommodation & WAPS Installation

HD HHI & HD KSOE, LR, Liberian Registry

A VLGC designed with forward accommodation and rotor sails to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The concept design meets internationally recognized requirements.

6. SMR-Powered LNG Carrier

SHI & KAERI, ABS, Liberian Registry

LNG Carrier powered by Small Modular Reactors (SMR), representing a breakthrough in nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping. The AIP confirms the vessel's conceptual design meets international safety standards and marks the first application of this next-generation nuclear reactor technology for marine propulsion.

7. The 174K CBM Class LNG Carrier with Wind Challenger Application

SHI & MOL, LR, Liberian Registry

A 174 K LNG Carrier equipped with the Wind Challenger system to harness wind power for propulsion. The concept integrates safety and navigational compliance with internationally recognized standards, contributing to decarbonization efforts.

8. BOG Treatment System for LNG-fueled Vessels at Berth

HD HHI & HD KSOE & DHP, KR, Liberian Registry

A concept design for treating boil-off gas (BOG) from LNG-fueled vessels while berthed, ensuring safe gas handling. The system enhances environmental performance during port operations.

9. The High-Pressure Type B LF Tank (MCTIB) for a 16,000 TEU Container ship

Hanwa Ocean, DNV, Liberian Registry

A novel LNG fuel tank design for large container ships, compliant with IMO requirements. The high-pressure Type B tank enhances fuel safety and efficiency for low-flashpoint fuels in high-capacity vessels.

These achievements underscore the Registry’s proactive engagement in collaborative innovation and its strategic role in shaping the future of maritime sustainability.

Participants in the GasTech event from the Liberian Registry’s Innovation & Energy Transition Team were Thomas Klenum, Executive Vice President, J. S. Kim, Managing Director for LISCR Korea, and T. K. Im, Technical Manager for LISCR Korea.
 

source: Liberian Registry
 

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