Thumbs-up for Deltamarin’s five eco-efficient vessel designs from DNV and Lloyd’s Register

December 8, 2025, by Melisa Cavcic

Finland’s marine engineering player Deltamarin has secured multiple approvals in principle (AiPs) from DNV and Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its next-generation vessel designs that come with a range of innovative concepts, including hybrid and wind-assisted propulsion solutions, enhanced safety redundancy on small chemical tankers, large-scale clean-fuel logistics, high-efficiency ethane transport, and methanol-ready capabilities for major vessel types.

The five approved design concepts encompass a 20,000-cubic meter (cbm) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel, a hybrid and wind-assisted 9,500 cbm liquefied ethylene carrier, a 6,200 deadweight tonnage (DWT) duplex stainless steel chemical tanker, a 103,000 cbm very large ethane carrier, and an 8,000 TEU methanol-ready container vessel.

The AiPs, awarded on December 3, 2025, in Shanghai, are said to confirm the feasibility of a range of innovative concepts, recognizing the technical features of the firm’s latest designs—from hybrid and wind-assisted propulsion solutions and enhanced safety redundancy on small tankers to large-scale clean-fuel logistics, high-efficiency ethane transport, and methanol-ready capabilities for major vessel types.

The first AiP, granted by DNV, is for an LNG bunkering vessel with a tank capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, designed to supply large-scale LNG to a variety of large vessels. As a key part of future LNG bunkering infrastructure, the vessel is perceived to support the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy, enhance safety and operational efficiency, and help achieve emission reduction goals.

Hybrid & wind-powered 9,500 cbm liquefied ethylene gas carrier – AiP granted by DNV; Courtesy of Deltamarin

The second AiP, given by DNV, is for a liquefied gas transport vessel that has a capacity of 9,500 cubic meters for liquefied ethylene gas and is designed to operate in Ice Class 1A areas with ice up to 80 centimeters thick.

The ship’s standout feature is the ‘green dual-power system,’ which combines battery-hybrid technology with wind-assisted propulsion, enhancing energy efficiency as a new step forward in applying clean energy solutions to small gas carriers.

6,200 DWT duplex stainless steel chemical tanker – AiP granted by DNV; Source: Deltamarin

The third AiP, awarded by DNV, is a small chemical tanker, which has a DWT of 6,200 tons and features duplex stainless steel cargo tanks.

The ship’s design is intended to overcome the traditional ‘no redundancy’ limitation for small vessels, since if the main engine fails suddenly, the shaft generator can provide reverse propulsion, ensuring the unit can return safely.

This capability is set to significantly reduce the risk of leaks and environmental pollution from hazardous cargo in the event of engine failure.

The design is deemed to strategically leverage the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) exemption for ships under 5,000 gross tonnage (GT).

By optimizing the hull design, the vessel maximizes deadweight to the physical limit of 6,200 tons, said to offer customers a green transportation solution that balances efficiency, safety, and operational flexibility.

103,000 cbm VLEC with 3 GTT Mark III cargo tanks – AiP granted by LR; Courtesy of Deltamarin

The fourth AiP, secured from LR, is for a gas carrier, which has a tank capacity of 103,000 cubic meters and features an innovative three-tank design. This unit is specifically built for the transport of gaseous cargo, including liquefied ethane.

The ship’s large scale and high efficiency are designed to enhance the efficiency of global supply chain for clean gaseous energy.

8,000 TEU methanol-ready container vessel – AiP granted by LR; Source: Deltamarin

The last and fifth AiP, given by LR, is for a large container vessel, which has a capacity of 8,000 TEU and features –‘methanol readiness,’ making it technically prepared to use green methanol as a clean fuel in the future.

As a result, the design is seen as a reflection of a forward-looking approach, supporting the shipping industry’s transition toward decarbonization.

According to Deltamarin, these approvals affirm the technical strength and innovative character of its next-generation vessel designs, highlighting their contribution to “safer, cleaner, and more efficient shipping.”

These AiPs come shortly after the Finnish player obtained an approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), together with China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), for a new floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) hull design.