Hanwha Ocean has received an Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design of a multi-fuel supply system. This system enables liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) to switch from LNG fuel to ammonia without the need to change the fuel tank or the fuel gas supply system (FGSS).
Details of the Approval and System Design
The ABS approval includes the design of an integrated fuel tank and supply system for an electric LNG ship powered by a gas turbine. This system is designed to supply both LNG and ammonia fuel for the gas turbine and facilitate the transition from LNG to ammonia fuel.
Gert Burton, Senior Vice President of Global Engineering at ABS, stated: "Fuel flexibility is a practical necessity for owners operating in an evolving regulatory environment, and the engineering challenge to achieve this without significant tank replacement is substantial. This design directly addresses that challenge, and ABS is pleased to support Hanwha Ocean in validating the feasibility of this concept."
Related Developments and Implications
The new AIP approval is the latest development in a series of related projects by Hanwha Ocean, which includes previous approvals for ammonia gas turbine propulsion systems in 2023 and a gas dispersion study on a 174,000 cubic meter LNG ship with an ammonia gas turbine in 2024.
Young Chang (James) Shon, Chief Technology Officer of Hanwha Ocean, emphasized: "While there are still ambiguities regarding the implementation of environmental regulations, the maritime industry's path to net zero is clear. Hanwha Ocean's multi-fuel design offers a practical and flexible pathway for ship owners from LNG to ammonia while maintaining long-term competitiveness. Hanwha Ocean will continue to develop future-ready technologies that support sustainable transportation."
This approval comes a few months after ABS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Seatrium to advance innovation, regulatory alignment, and sustainable technologies in the maritime and offshore energy sectors.
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