South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has obtained certifications from classification societies Norway’s DNV and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), for its eco-friendly vessel technology. The certifications were announced during the Gastech 2023 exhibition held in Singapore from September 5-8.
DNV awarded Hanwha Ocean an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its innovative 70,000 cubic meter (cbm) class liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier cargo hold design. The patented bi-Lobe cargo hold design features a vertical asymmetrical structure, maximizing cargo capacity of LCO2 carriers, increasing it by 50 percent compared to existing cylinder structures. DNV also awarded Hanwha with an Approval of Service Suppliers (AoSS) for the measurement of underwater radiated noise (URN).
ABS also granted AiPs to Hanwha Ocean for the world’s first large-scale carbon emission-free LNG carrier. This certified vessel, with a capacity of 174,000 cbm, is powered by an ammonia-fueled gas turbine and can use ammonia and natural gas separately or simultaneously as fuel, depending on the operating environment. The use of ammonia alone enables the ship to produce zero carbon emissions.
Notably, the turbine design incorporates Hanwha Power Systems’ sCO2 power system, which features an exhaust gas waste heat recovery system. This system reduces NOx emissions to a level that meets IMO’s stringent regulations without the need for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and significantly reduces methane slip.
Moreover, Hanwha Ocean became the first Korean shipyard to receive an AoSS for the measurement of URN, which is considered a pollutant by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) due to its impact on aquatic organisms.
Looking ahead, Hanwha Ocean plans to invest approximately $450 million (600 billion won) in the development of an eco-friendly propulsion system based on ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. The company aims to expand its portfolio to include carriers designed to transport ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. Additionally, Hanwha Ocean has set a goal to secure smart ship technology capable of fully autonomous navigation by 2030.
Hanwha Ocean, formerly known as Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, was acquired by South Korean conglomerate Hanwha earlier this year.
