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KR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies and Liberian Registry Join Forces on Wind-Assisted LNG Carrier- New process aims to streamline ship design and classification approval -KR (Korean Register) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok on September 15 for the joint development of a 3D Model-Based Approval (3DMBA) process for ship structural design.The project aims to establish a new approval framework that will enable 3D models used by shipyards for vessel design to be directly used for classification approval.While ship design is rapidly transitioning toward a 3D model-based environment, 2D drawings are still required for classification approval. As a result, shipyards must convert information already contained in their 3D design models into separate 2D drawings for class review.Under the MOU, KR and HD HHI will work to eliminate this duplication by developing a process that enables 3D design models to be used directly for classification review and approval.HD HHI will provide 3D ship design models and related data and conduct pilot applications on actual vessel projects to verify the practical applicability of the new process. KR will define the scope, review requirements and criteria for 3D model-based approval and develop a framework for assessing compliance with classification rules directly from the 3D model. The results of the pilot applications will also be incorporated into the process to further enhance its effectiveness and reliability.The two organizations expect the new approach to reduce the time and workload involved in preparing separate 2D drawings while also shortening the class approval process. The project will also strengthen KR’s capabilities in 3D model-based review and support the transition toward a next-generation digital classification approval framework.Hong-ryul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of HD HHI, said:“3D models have already become the standard for ship design, but the approval process still requires the preparation of separate drawings. This joint development project marks an important first step toward reducing duplicated work in the design process and creating an environment where design data can flow directly into classification approval.”Daeheon Kim, Executive Vice President of KR, said:“Moving the basis of ship design approval from 2D drawings to 3D models represents an important transformation in the way classification approval is carried out. Working with HD HHI, we will develop a practical approval framework based on actual design data that can be applied in real-world shipbuilding projects, enhancing efficiency for both shipyards and classification societies.”Following the project, KR and HD HHI plan to expand the 3D model-based design and approval framework to a wider range of vessel types and projects, with the aim of supporting its broader application across the shipbuilding industry.

KR, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies and Liberian Registry Join Forces on Wind-Assisted LNG Carrier- Joint project to assess the safety and regulatory compliance of WindWings® on a 174K LNG carrier -- Collaboration to advance the commercial application of wind-assisted propulsion technology -Korean Register (KR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), UK-based wind propulsion technology company BAR Technologies, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR) to jointly develop a 174K LNG carrier equipped with the WindWings® wind-assisted propulsion system.The agreement was signed on September 15 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok and aims to assess the technical feasibility and safety of applying wind-assisted propulsion technology to LNG carriers as the global shipping industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonization.The project will focus on a 174K LNG carrier developed by HHI featuring a forward accommodation arrangement. By positioning the crew accommodation block toward the bow, the design provides additional space on the upper deck, creating an opportunity to integrate BAR Technologies’ WindWings® system.WindWings® uses large, rigid wing sails installed on a vessel to harness wind as supplementary propulsion. By reducing reliance on the vessel’s main propulsion system, the technology can lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while improving overall energy efficiency.Under the collaboration, HHI will lead the vessel’s basic design and design review, while BAR Technologies will provide technical data covering the arrangement and specifications of WindWings®, structural strength, operational concepts and expected fuel savings.KR, together with LISCR, will assess the safety and technical suitability of the design against applicable rules and international requirements. Based on the outcome of the assessment, KR will also consider granting Approval in Principle (AIP), supporting the application and future commercialization of wind-assisted propulsion technology on LNG carriers.Hong-ryul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and CTO of HHI, said: “We have continued to develop innovative hull forms and arrangement concepts for LNG carriers to advance environmentally friendly ship technologies. Through this project, we aim to integrate wind-assisted propulsion technology into our forward accommodation LNG carrier design, further enhancing the competitiveness of next-generation, low-emission LNG carriers.”John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said: “We already have WindWings® deployed across 10 bulkers and tankers, with 23 WindWings® collectively saving approximately 100 tonnes of CO₂ per day. We look forward to extending the application of WindWings® to next-generation gas carriers, establishing a robust foundation for safe commercialization, and providing shipowners with a genuinely attractive environmental solution.”Yongsok Lee, Chairman and CEO of KR, said: “Through this joint development project, KR will assess the safety and technical suitability of applying wind-assisted propulsion to this LNG carrier design against applicable rules and international requirements, with a view to granting Approval in Principle. By working closely with the shipyard, technology provider and flag administration, KR will continue to support the safe and reliable adoption of innovative technologies that contribute to the maritime industry’s decarbonization.”Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, added: “This JDP reflects the Liberian Registry’s proactive approach to supporting the safe and responsible advancement of innovative maritime solutions. By assessing wind-assisted propulsion for LNG carriers from an early design stage, the partners can help translate the decarbonization challenge into practical opportunities for improved efficiency, future-ready ship designs and competitive advantage, without compromising safety or quality.”

KR and HD Hyundai Samho Cut Structural Safety Review Time for Partial Launching with New Program- Automated structural modeling and load calculations enable faster structural safety assessments for partial launching- Eight-month joint development project validated through application to an actual vessel, with completion certificate presented at Gastech 2026KR (Korean Register) and HD Hyundai Samho have jointly developed a program that enables rapid assessment of hull structural safety during partial launching in the shipbuilding process.The two companies carried out the eight-month joint development project, titled “Automated Structural Analysis Program for Partial Launching Conditions Based on Direct Strength Analysis (DSA),” from February 2026. KR presented HD Hyundai Samho with a project completion certificate on September 14 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.Partial launching is a shipbuilding method in which a vessel is launched before construction is fully completed, with the remaining work carried out afterwards. This allows shipyards to make more efficient use of dock capacity and provides greater flexibility in construction schedules.However, because partial launching is carried out before hull block welding is fully complete or before certain structures are installed, the hull's weight and buoyancy distribution can differ from that of the completed vessel. This requires a close review of structural safety to confirm the hull can safely withstand the loads generated during launching.Until now, engineers had to build a separate structural analysis model excluding structures not yet installed at the time of partial launching and recalculate the resulting changes in loads and buoyancy, making the review process time-consuming.The newly developed program automates this process. Starting from the structural analysis model of the completed vessel, it automatically accounts for structures that are not yet installed or connected and generates an analysis model corresponding to the vessel’s actual construction status at the time of partial launching.The program also automatically calculates loads and buoyancy considering changes in hull weight and trim, enabling structural safety assessments to be carried out more quickly and efficiently.Under the project, HD Hyundai Samho provided the data required for program development, including partial launching scenarios and load conditions based on actual shipbuilding operations.Drawing on this information, KR developed functions based on Direct Strength Analysis to assess the loads acting on the hull and evaluate its structural strength and safety. HD Hyundai Samho subsequently applied the program to an actual vessel to verify its practical applicability in the field.Hakmu Shim, Executive Vice President of HD Hyundai Samho, said: “Partial launching is a critical process for a shipyard's dry dock efficiency and construction schedule, which makes it essential to confirm safety quickly and accurately. We expect this program to shorten the time required for structural safety reviews during partial launching and provide greater flexibility in dock operations and shipbuilding schedules.”Daeheon Kim, Executive Vice President of KR, said: “Through this joint development, we have secured the technology and standards to efficiently assess hull strength during partial launching. Building on this achievement, we will further strengthen our technical review and approval capabilities and continue to actively support safe and efficient shipbuilding at shipyards.”Going forward, the two companies plan to expand the scope of the newly developed assessment program to a wider range of ship types and partial launching scenarios, and to continue upgrading its capabilities for stability prediction and flexible response across different launching conditions.

KR Launches AI-Integrated Technical Software Platform ‘SeaTrust Software Hub’ Korean Register (KR) has launched an upgraded version of its technical software platform, ‘SeaTrust Software Hub’, introducing an AI-integrated system designed to enhance user accessibility and strengthen customer support.SeaTrust Software Hub provides a more intuitive and structured interface for KR’s suite of technical software. It also enables users to manage the entire workflow, from software downloads and technical inquiries to feedback submission and improvement requests, all within a single integrated platform.A key highlight of the upgrade is the implementation of an AI-driven feedback processing system. The new platform analyzes user inquiries and automatically directs them to the appropriate team, helping KR respond more efficiently to customer requests.The AI system has been developed using extensive technical resources, including engineering documentation, user manuals, email correspondence and historical feedback records. By leveraging this data, the platform can generate context-aware responses to user inquiries.As inquiry data continues to accumulate, the AI system is expected to further enhance response speed, accuracy and quality over time.In addition, the website has been reorganized into a unified digital hub where users can search for and download all KR’s technical software solutions in one place. This includes SeaTrust-HullScan, a structural strength assessment software widely used by shipyards and design companies, as well as web-based applications such as the route-specific reduction factor calculator used by container shipping operators.Commenting on the launch, KIM Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR, said the upgraded platform will strengthen the link between user feedback and technology development.“This upgrade significantly improves accessibility and user experience while enabling us to respond more quickly to customer feedback. By strengthening the connection between user input and our technology development and services, SeaTrust Software Hub will evolve beyond a software platform into a digital knowledge center where operational experience and technical expertise are systematically accumulated and shared.”SeaTrust Software Hub is available via the official website (https://www.seatrust.kr) and through KR-DAON (https://daon.krs.co.kr).

KR unveils new digital platforms “PILOT” and “POWER” todrive data-based decarbonization in shippingKR(Korean Register) has launched two new digital platforms, PILOT (Platform for Insightful LOw-emission Transitions) and POWER (Performance evaluation for Operational characteristics, Weather & aging Effect and fuel consumption Review), designed to support the shipping industry in developing optimal carbon-reduction strategies and enhancing operational efficiency.As the EU’s greenhouse gas regulations, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime,are already in force, the delay in the International Maritime Organization’s(IMO) adoption of its Net-Zero Framework has heightened uncertainty over future global regulatory developments.Amid this complex landscape, shipping companies are seeking solutions that can help them evaluate various emission-reduction options and operational strategies based on objective data, while considering both cost and regulatory risks.Developed in response to these industry needs, KR’s new platforms enable efficient and data-driven decision-making for sustainable fleet management.PILOT allows users to design and assess customized greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction scenarios using each vessel’s technical specifications and operational data.The platform automatically calculates vessel-specific emissions and compliance costs based on actual emission data reported to the IMO and the EU, while evaluating the cost-effectiveness and reduction potential of introducing energy-saving devices (ESDs) and alternative fuels to recommend the most viable strategies. It also supports the establishment of mid- to long-term plans by simulating possible future regulatory developments.Meanwhile, POWER visualizes ship performance and fuel efficiency by analyzing data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) along with weather and ocean condition information. This helps ship operators easily understand their vessels’ current operational status and identify areas for improvement, enabling them to formulate optimal, data-driven voyage strategies.LEEHyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR said,“The shipping industry is facing the dual challenge of establishing practical emission-reduction strategies while improving operational efficiency under a changing regulatory environment. PILOT and POWER embody KR’s accumulated expertise and data-driven analytical capabilities, providing shipowners intelligence that enables informed decisions and promotes the sustainable development of the maritime sector.”KR-PILOT and KR-POWER are available through KR’s integrated digital service platform, KR-DAON (daon.krs.co.kr). △ PILOT’s dashboard △ POWER’s dashboard