This is a significant step toward making zero-carbon vessel conversions a reality and helps advance the shipping industry's decarbonization goals.
In a landmark development for the global shipping industry's push for decarbonization, Hanwha Power Systems announced that it has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its innovative ammonia fuel gas turbine retrofit design. The approval represents a significant stride towards achieving the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
The AiP specifically applies to the conversion design for 174K LNG carriers, a widely used class of liquefied natural gas vessels. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time a retrofit design of this nature has received such an approval. The project was the result of a rapid and successful joint development effort between Hanwha Power Systems and ABS, which began on August 13, 2025, and saw the completion of critical engineering design and safety verification in a short period.
The core of the technology is a vessel propulsion system that runs on 100% ammonia fuel, a zero-carbon energy source. Ammonia, composed of only nitrogen and hydrogen, produces no carbon dioxide emissions when combusted, making it an ideal alternative to traditional fossil fuels for decarbonizing the maritime sector. Hanwha's system is designed to operate without the need for any pilot oil (ignition fuel), further solidifying its zero-carbon credentials.
An Approval in Principle is a critical validation step in the maritime industry, where a classification society like ABS confirms that a new concept or design complies with international safety standards and is technically feasible. The AiP was granted after a rigorous review of essential engineering documents, including the Process Flow Diagram (PFD), General Arrangement (GA), and a comprehensive Hazard Identification (HAZID) report. This thorough process ensures that the ammonia-fueled design is not only effective but also safe and reliable for real-world application.
According to Hyoung-seok Kim, Head of the Maritime Solutions Business Division at Hanwha Power Systems, the AiP "demonstrates the technical and commercial viability of gas turbine propulsion systems utilizing ammonia fuel." He emphasized the company's commitment to continued collaboration with shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies to move the technology toward practical application and commercial operation.
The successful AiP provides Hanwha with a solid foundation to market retrofit packages for converting various types of existing ships to ammonia fuel. This positions the company as a key player in the global ship decarbonization market.
