HD HHI gets green light from DNV and KR for export-type submarine

South Korean shipbuilding major HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has received approvals in principle (AiPs) from classification societies DNV and Korean Register (KR) for the design of a 2,300-ton export-type submarine.

Due to the nature of underwater operations, ‘safety’ is the most critical factor in submarine construction. In January of this year, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed business agreements with DNV and KR and introduced the Submarine Safety Certification System to meet the stringent international safety standards.

Approval in Principle (AIP) is a procedure to verify the safety and performance validity of the design, and with this certification, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has secured the verification that this design meets the standards.

The export-type submarine HDS-2300 features a displacement of 2,300 tons, a length of 73.0 meters, overall width of 8.5 meters, and a maximum surface speed of 20 knots (approximately 37 km/h).

“We are pleased to have obtained Basic Approval (AIP) from domestic and international classification societies by applying the international safety standards for submarines for the first time in the country,” Joo Won-ho, head of Special Ship Business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, stated.

Last month, high-ranking officials in charge of the US Navy’s ship business visited the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center and discussed cooperation plans in the fields of future ships, including eco-friendly and digital ships. 

HD Hyundai outlined its ship technology development capabilities and key research and development areas, which focus on AI-driven ship solutions, hybrid electric propulsion systems, and digital twin virtual commissioning. Additionally, the company presented a maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) strategy for international vessels.