#South Korea #Seoul #Hanwha Power Systems #Ammonia Fuel #ABS

Hanwha Power Systems Earns Industry Recognition

In a significant advancement for environmentally sustainable shipping, Hanwha Power Systems recently received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its innovative ammonia fuel gas turbine conversion design, specifically targeting 174,000 cubic meter LNG carriers. This achievement, announced at GASTECH 2025, marks a crucial step in the company's commitment to providing eco-friendly options in maritime operations.

The partnership between Hanwha Power Systems and ABS began on August 13, 2025, focusing on the development of the cutting-edge ammonia fuel system that stands to revolutionize ship propulsion. Ammonia, composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, is a clean-burning fuel that, crucially, does not emit carbon dioxide when combusted. This presents it as a viable alternative to achieve carbon neutrality in the shipping industry, addressing the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s ambitious decarbonization targets set for 2050.

Strategic Collaboration and Technology Validation

Obtaining the AiP was no small feat. It required a thorough evaluation of essential engineering documents, including the Process Flow Diagram (PFD), operational control philosophy, equipment specifications, and crucial safety assessments. The process culminated in a rigorous safety verification that ensures compliance with international safety standards for ammonia-fueled vessels, as validated by ABS. This sets a precedent for future retrofitting projects, allowing Hanwha to propose ship conversion packages to transform various ship types into ammonia-powered models.

Hyoung-seok Kim, head of the Maritime Solutions Division at Hanwha Power Systems, expressed the company’s enthusiasm about this milestone, stating, "This AiP achievement demonstrates not only the technical feasibility but also the commercial viability of gas turbine propulsion systems utilizing ammonia fuel. Our goal is to foster collaboration among shipowners, shipbuilders, and classification societies to bring this technology into practical application and commercial operation."

Implications for the Future of Maritime Transportation

The successful AiP signals Hanwha’s preparedness to tackle the substantial challenge of reducing carbon emissions in maritime transportation. As the global shipping industry navigates towards sustainable practices, the ammonia gas turbine technology is positioned at the forefront of this transition, potentially opening a zero-carbon maritime market.

In addition to the ammonia gas turbine, Hanwha Power Systems is showcasing other cutting-edge technologies at the GASTECH 2025 exhibition in Milan, Italy. Among these are vessel FSRU (Floating Storage Regasification Unit) modification technologies and CO2 compressors vital for carbon capture and storage processes—reinforcing Hanwha's role as a leader in the pursuit of environmental sustainability in the shipping sector.

The AiP marks a crucial milestone not just for Hanwha Power Systems, but also for the maritime industry as it collectively works towards the goal of achieving carbon neutrality. By enhancing technical capabilities and strengthening alliances with industry players, Hanwha is already on an upward trajectory in the global ship decarbonization market. This retrofit technology could soon become a standard for many vessels, significantly reducing the maritime industry's carbon footprint while embracing innovative solutions.

As shipping faces growing pressures to comply with strict environmental regulations, Hanwha Power Systems remains committed to leading the charge towards a greener future, advocating for technological advancements that prioritize sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency in maritime journeys.

The future of eco-friendly shipping technology looks promising with the advent of ammonia fuel systems, and Hanwha is determined to stay at the helm of this evolution, ensuring that both the environment and the maritime industry thrive hand in hand.