ABS Greenlights HD KSOE’s Next-Gen VLEC Design in Bid to Slash Shipping Costs

A refrigerant-based system could redefine ethane transport efficiency

The race to decarbonize maritime shipping just took a leap forward. ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a novel cargo handling system designed for very large ethane carriers (VLECs). The design—featuring a refrigerant-based reliquefication system paired with an integrated ethane fuel supply—could significantly reduce operating expenses for carriers hauling ethane, a key feedstock for plastics manufacturing.

“This collaboration pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in gas transport efficiency,” said an ABS spokesperson. “The refrigerant approach is a game-changer.”

HD KSOE’s system tackles two pain points: energy-intensive cargo management and fuel logistics. Traditional VLECs often waste boil-off gas, but the new reliquefication tech recaptures and repurposes it. Meanwhile, the ethane fuel supply system eliminates the need for separate fuel tanks, freeing up cargo space. ABS validated the design through rigorous reviews conducted under its Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels, ensuring compliance with safety and performance benchmarks.

Strategic partnerships fuel maritime innovation

The AiP follows a 2024 memorandum of understanding between ABS and HD KSOE, signaling deeper collaboration on cutting-edge maritime tech. While neither party disclosed a timeline for commercialization, industry analysts note that ethane transport demand is rising—driven by surging global ethylene production. If HD KSOE’s system delivers on its cost-cutting promise, it could underpin a new generation of VLECs optimized for the energy transition.

“Lower opex means better margins in a volatile market,” said a shipping executive familiar with the project. “Every percentage point matters.”

With regulatory scrutiny tightening on shipping emissions, the pressure is on to innovate. HD KSOE’s design—now one step closer to reality—offers a glimpse into the future of efficient, integrated marine energy systems. The question isn’t whether such solutions will reach the water, but how quickly.