HD Hyundai Samho and ClassNK have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop an LNG carrier design that incorporates forthcoming amendments to the IGC Code.
The companies signed the agreement during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The International Maritime Organization is expected to adopt the amendments during the 112th session of its Maritime Safety Committee in December 2026. The revised requirements are scheduled to enter into force on 1 July 2028.
Technical review targets new safety requirements
HD Hyundai Samho will develop the LNG carrier design, while ClassNK will assess it against the amended regulatory requirements.
The technical review will focus on:
- Emergency shutdown arrangements for valves connected to cargo tanks
- Material requirements for exposed cargo piping
- Interlocking and accumulation-pressure requirements for cargo tank pressure relief valves
- Risk-based cargo tank filling limits
The early review aims to reduce the need for future design changes and provide shipowners with a technically validated design before the amended code takes effect.
“This collaboration represents an important milestone in proactively incorporating new international requirements into LNG carrier design. By combining ClassNK’s regulatory expertise with HD Hyundai Samho’s LNG carrier design and shipbuilding capabilities, we aim to deliver safer and more competitive vessels to our customers,” said Hak-Mu Shim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Design Division at HD Hyundai Samho.
ClassNK will support the implementation of the amended IGC Code through its technical and regulatory assessment of the design.
“As the international regulatory environment continues to evolve, close collaboration between shipbuilders and classification societies is becoming increasingly important. Through this project, we look forward to working together with HD Hyundai Samho to verify compliance with the amended IGC Code at an early stage and facilitate its practical implementation in vessel design,” said Hayato Suga, President and CEO of ClassNK.
