From left to right: BY Yoo, KSOE VP for Energy System Research Institute, Andy McKeran, LR Maritime Performance Services Director and DJ Lee, HHI VP for Initial Design Office

Lloyd’s Register (LR), Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Gastech 2021 in Dubai to develop digital twin technology to support the digitalisation of the maritime industry and the growing demand for large scale LNG carriers.

As part of the MoU, KSOE and HHI will further develop its Hyundai Intelligent Digital Twin Ship (HIDTS) for a type B gas containment tank suitable for an 174,000 m3 LNG carrier. LR’s role is to perform audit, review, risk assessment, verification and validation activities to support KSOE and HHI with the successful development and implementation of the digital twin.

LR’s approach will cover the entire life cycle of the digital twin technology, from conceptual design stage to the operation and large scale commercialisation of HIDTS. Luis Benito, Director of Innovation at Lloyd’s Register, said: “Building upon the technical expertise of each party involved, the MoU will fast track digital twin technology solutions needed to help maritime successfully and safely digitalise. With the maritime industry focused on ensuring safety and efficiency, it’s important we look at digitalisation such as digital twin technology, which not only helps shipowners and operator optimise operational costs but also improve safety.”