![AiP Award Ceremony[Third and fourth from the left, respectively: Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), and Cho Byung-sam, Senior Managing Director and Head of the Technical Approval Division at the Korean Register (KR)]](https://container-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/KakaoTalk_20260605_0754596960-696x539.jpg "AiP Award Ceremony[Third and fourth from the left, respectively: Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), and Cho Byung-sam, Senior Managing Director and Head of the Technical Approval Division at the Korean Register (KR)]")
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Korean Register (KR) for the design of a 10,000-TEU biofuel-powered container ship.
The companies held the AiP award ceremony on June 4 during Posidonia 2026 in Athens.
HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol and KR Senior Managing Director Cho Byung-sam attended the event.
HJSC developed the vessel in response to growing demand for low-carbon shipping solutions.
Biofuel combines conventional marine fuel with bio-based fuels produced from plant and animal oils. The shipping industry is increasingly adopting biofuels as environmental regulations become stricter.
Regulations such as the IMO’s decarbonization measures, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime are driving interest in alternative fuels.
HJSC began working with KR on the project last year.
The shipbuilder applied a biofuel propulsion system to a 10,000-TEU container vessel currently under construction. The company completed the development work in May before receiving the AiP at Posidonia.
The approval confirms that the design complies with applicable regulations and safety requirements. It also verifies the technical feasibility of the concept.
HJSC expects the new design to strengthen its portfolio of eco-friendly vessels and support future orders for mid-sized and large container ships.
The company also aims to respond more effectively to growing demand from shipowners seeking lower-emission vessel designs.
Interest in biofuel solutions has increased among shipowners attending Posidonia, prompting shipbuilders to accelerate technology development in this segment.
“The development of biofuel-powered container ship technology is expected to have a positive impact on our marketing and order-winning activities in the eco-friendly vessel market,” said Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.
“As decarbonized shipbuilding is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we will continue to strengthen our technological competitiveness and build trust with shipowners.”
KR said the project will support the transition toward more environmentally friendly vessels built in South Korea.
![AiP Award Ceremony[Third and fourth from the left, respectively: Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC), and Cho Byung-sam, Senior Managing Director and Head of the Technical Approval Division at the Korean Register (KR)]](https://container-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/KakaoTalk_20260605_0754596960-218x150.jpg "HJSC wins AiP for 10,000-TEU biofuel-powered container ship")
