Inside KR
KR Decarbonization Magazine
VOL.10 | JUNE 2025
KR Grants World’s First AIP to HD KSOE for Pioneering Large-Scale Liquid Hydrogen Tank Vacuum System
KR has awarded the world's first Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD KSOE for its breakthrough vacuum-insulated large-scale liquid hydrogen tank system, marking a significant advancement in clean energy transportation technology. The AiP follows the successful completion of validation tests, demonstrating the system’s feasibility and innovative design.
HD KSOE has independently developed a vacuum-insulated liquid hydrogen tank system that addresses key challenges by introducing cutting-edge solutions. This innovative system dramatically reduces the time required to create a vacuum in large tanks, shortening the process from several months to just a few days.
KR evaluated the system's compliance with domestic and international standards, confirming its effectiveness and stability and granting the AiP as a result.
KIM Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR's R&D Division, commented: "This AiP reflects HD KSOE's technological excellence and highlights the promising potential of the hydrogen industry. KR remains committed to supporting the safety and technological progress of this vital sector."
KR Expands Technical Services with New Ammonia Bunkering Simulation System
Operator training simulator in KR LSC
Ammonia Bunkering Status Display Screen (Monitoring System)
KR and Trans Gas Solution Co., Ltd. have launched an “Ammonia bunkering simulation system” at the LNG Fueled & Bunkering Simulation Center (KR LSC) located at its Busan headquarters.
KR launched the KR LSC in 2020, providing training on LNG fuel supply and bunkering systems, risk analysis, and related technical services. In January 2024, the center expanded its capabilities with the addition of a methanol bunkering simulation system.
The newly developed ammonia bunkering simulation system is based on 17 designs of ammonia fuel supply and bunkering systems, drafted by TGS and reviewed by KR, ensuring objectivity and reliability. With this expansion, KR has further extended its technical services beyond LNG and methanol to include ammonia, offering tailored commissioning, operational optimization, and comprehensive risk assessments for bunkering systems.
KR Executive Vice President KIM Yeontae Elected as TSCF Chairman
KIM Yeontae, Executive Vice President of KR Technical Division, has been elected Chairman of the Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum (TSCF) during the TSCF Steering Committee meeting held in Seoul from February 12-13, 2025. His term as Chairman will run for two years, from February 2025 to February 2027.
Established in 1983, TSCF is an international forum committed to advancing maritime safety through improvements in tanker structural integrity. Its members include oil majors including BP and Shell, shipowners such as Stena Rederi, Teekay, and MOL, as well as leading classification societies.
Mr. Kim, who joined KR in 1989, is a technical specialist with extensive experience in plan approval, field surveys, international standards development, and business management. Since 2020, he has led KR Technical Division, overseeing plan approval and rule development.
Commenting on his appointment as TSCF Chairman, Mr. Kim stated, "This recognition reflects KR's enduring contributions to tanker safety in the global maritime industry. I will strive to further strengthen TSCF’s role while facilitating the adoption of its key initiatives and technical advancements throughout the Korean maritime sector."
KR Specialists Appointed as Expert Committee Members of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology
JANG Hwasup, General Manager of the KR AI Convergence Center, and ROH Gilltae, Principal Surveyor of the KR Alternative Fuel Technology Research Team, have been appointed as members of the Expert Committee under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology (PACST). Both appointments are for a two-year term ending January 2027.
The Expert Committee plays a crucial role in reviewing government R&D investment directions, developing technology investment strategies, evaluating budgets, and providing expert consultation on various research and development policies.
JANG Hwasup has been with the KR Research Division since 2010, where he has directed numerous digital technology developments including autonomous ship navigation and AI convergence solutions. In recognition of his contributions to regulatory innovation for autonomous ship technology, he received the presidential commendation in 2023.
ROH Gilltae, who also joined KR in 2010, has led the development of green ship technologies, particularly in hydrogen and fuel cell power systems on board ships. His achievements have been recognized with the Busan Metropolitan City Clean Energy Award in 2020 and a commendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy in 2023.
KR expects that these appointments will provide significant opportunities to contribute to national science and technology advancement and research development policies. KR remains committed to leading innovation in the maritime industry through autonomous shipping, green ship technologies, and sustainable maritime industry development.