Alfa Laval Korea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hanwha Ocean Ecotech, in a step toward strengthening cooperation in developing safe and reliable ammonia fuel system solutions for dual-fuel vessels.
The partnership is intended to reinforce both companies’ commitment to supporting the maritime industry’s transition to low-carbon and alternative fuel technologies.
The MoU marks a strategic collaboration to leverage Alfa Laval’s technical experience in ammonia fuel systems together with Hanwha Ocean Ecotech’s capabilities in marine technology. The joint approach aims to secure early market opportunities and build competitive advantage in the rapidly-growing field of alternative marine fuels. The partnership includes cooperation on business co-development and project opportunities, with a ambition to deliver a pilot installation to enable future collaboration.
The collaboration is founded on a shared ambition to advance ammonia fuel systems for dual-fuel vessels. Alfa Laval will contribute its proven capabilities in ammonia fuel and mitigation technologies through ammonia fuel supply system and FSS and Ammonia Release Mitigation System (ARMS) while Hanwha will apply its experience in system engineering and integration. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of expertise and improve productivity and safety on board.
Young-Gu Choi, MD Alfa Laval Korea, said: “This MoU is more than just technical cooperation – it represents a strategic partnership to secure leadership in Korea and Asia’s sustainable shipbuilding market. By combining our strengths, we aim to accelerate the decarbonisation of global shipping with safe and reliable ammonia fuel solutions.”
Chang-Keun Lee, CEO Hanwha Ocean Ecotech, added: “Partnering with Alfa Laval is a significant opportunity to deliver safer and more efficient ammonia fuel systems to our customers. Through pilot projects and subsequent commercial projects, we will maximise synergies and bring greater value to the maritime industry.”
The partnership with Hanwha Ocean Ecotech is considered to represent a strong commitment to enabling ammonia powered shipping through proven technologies, engineering, and close industry collaboration. Alfa Laval is actively engaged in several other key collaborations focused on ammonia as a marine fuel. A key example is a long-standing research and development partnership with WinGD, which has successfully tested the FCM Ammonia, Ammonia Release Mitigation System (ARMS) and Fuel Valve Trains, laying a solid foundation for its commercial rollout. Another collaboration between South Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding, Alfa Laval, WinGD, and ABS saw Alfa Laval contribute to the design of an entire fuel system, including the ammonia fuel supply system, fuel valves train, and ARMS with Alfa Laval also adding an Aalborg ammonia dual-fuel boiler system to the project scope.
Image: Alfa Laval FCM Ammonia (source: Alfa Laval)
