UK Lloyd's Register (LR) and Norwegian DNV
Joint Research on Methanol Fuel Tank Coating Application Technology
HD Hyundai is embarking on the development of coating technology for methanol fuel tanks in collaboration with two global ship inspection organizations.
HD Hyundai announced on the 6th that its shipbuilding affiliates?HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries?recently signed a business agreement at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan headquarters with the UK’s Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Norway’s DNV for the "Development of High-Efficiency Coating Technology for Methanol Fuel Tanks and LPG Tanks."
HD Hyundai, LR, and DNV have agreed to jointly develop technology for applying high chemical-resistant phenolic epoxy coatings to methanol fuel tanks, which can replace the existing inorganic zinc-based coatings, in order to resolve the shortage of skilled coating personnel and improve construction efficiency. Phenolic epoxy coatings have the advantage of easier application compared to inorganic zinc coatings, but have not been applied to methanol fuel tanks due to insufficient verification of their chemical resistance to methanol.
Recently, with the strengthening of environmental regulations for ships, orders for methanol-fueled vessels in the shipbuilding industry have increased. Although methanol is an eco-friendly fuel, its high chemical reactivity can cause the coating film to soften, requiring suitable coating specifications. Currently, inorganic zinc-based coatings with high chemical resistance are the only ones applied to methanol fuel tanks. However, these coatings involve high application difficulty, complex process management, and frequent maintenance, making it challenging to secure the specialized workforce needed for coating work.
Officials from HD Hyundai's shipbuilding affiliates recently took a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony of the "Business Agreement on the Development of High-Efficiency Coating Technology for Methanol Fuel Tanks and LPG Tanks" held at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan headquarters with Lloyd's Register (LR) of the UK and DNV of Norway. [Photo by HD Hyundai]
HD Hyundai and partners plan to secure chemical resistance to methanol by improving the coating film density of phenolic epoxy coatings and proceed with applying them to methanol fuel tanks after thorough verification procedures.
Additionally, HD Hyundai, LR, and DNV will collaborate on deriving surface treatment standards and coating specifications that optimize the grinding area of the exterior surfaces of LPG tanks used for storing LPG on LPG carriers.
Based on its advanced methanol engine technology, HD Hyundai is leading the related market, having secured orders for 43 methanol-fueled vessels, accounting for about 36% of the global methanol-fueled ship orders as of the end of last month.
An official from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated, “This technology development agreement is expected to greatly help improve coating construction efficiency and resolve workforce supply issues,” adding, “By proving competitiveness in the methanol market, we will firmly establish our leadership in the eco-friendly ship sector, including ammonia and hydrogen-fueled vessels in the future.”
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