#Hanwha Power #South Korea #Bangkok #LNG Bunkering #ABS Approval

Hanwha Power Secures ABS Approval for LNG Bunkering Innovation

On September 15, 2026, Hanwha Power made a notable advancement in the marine energy sector by securing the Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its innovative concept design of a 22,000-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessel. This momentous announcement was made during the prominent GASTECH 2026 event that took place in Bangkok, Thailand, renowned as the world’s largest gas and energy exhibition.

The event marked a significant collaboration for Hanwha as it operated a joint booth with notable marine affiliates, including Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Engines. This collaboration aimed to present a comprehensive array of marine solutions that range from eco-friendly vessel designs to advanced propulsion systems and technology. The AiP certificate presentation ceremony, attended by key figures from Hanwha Power and ABS, further solidified the importance of this achievement within the global marine community.

As part of Hanwha Power’s strategic expansion, this new certificate enables the company to complete its portfolio of medium- and large-scale LNG bunkering vessels categorized from 7,500 to 22,000 CBM. Key innovations embedded in this vessel design include its LNG-ammonia multi-cargo transport capability, enabling the simultaneous shipping of both LNG and ammonia, viewed as a promising clean fuel for future energy needs.

A remarkable technical feature of the vessel is the integration of high-manganese steel cargo containment technology, Mc-CⓇ. This innovation allows for adaptation to future alternative fuels with minimal modifications, thereby providing shipowners with greater flexibility and enhancing their competitive edge in the evolving energy landscape.

Given that bunkering vessels frequently operate in coastal profiles, Hanwha Power has integrated a hybrid electric propulsion system into the vessel design. This system combines Onshore Power Supply (OPS) and an Energy Storage System (ESS), which significantly reduces harmful emissions when the vessel is berthed or operates in close proximity to coastal areas. Furthermore, this system ensures improved operational efficiency and economic benefits for shipowners.

Hanwha Power also harnessed core technologies from its group, including dual-fuel generator sets, Electrical Power System integration, and an Integrated Automation System, all aimed at maximizing synergy within their Engineering and Procurement (EP) packages. By aligning these technologies, Hanwha intends to enhance its appeal and competitiveness within the maritime energy sector at a global level.

Hoon-min Kim, Head of Hanwha Power's Marine Solution Business Division, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, “This ABS AiP marks another important milestone demonstrating Hanwha Power's technological reliability and commercial viability in the global eco-friendly vessel market.” He elaborated that leveraging Hanwha Group's unique clean technology capabilities positions the company to provide shipowners worldwide with optimized solutions that support the transition towards sustainable marine transportation.

In summary, Hanwha Power's latest achievement in obtaining ABS Approval symbolizes a pivotal development for the organization and the maritime industry as a whole, reflecting a commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly energy solutions. As the demand for sustainable marine practices escalates, Hanwha Power is set to play a critical role in advancing eco-friendly shipping technologies in the coming years.