Hanwha Power Systems has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for an ammonia fuel gas turbine conversion design aimed at 174,000m3 LNG carriers.
The AiP is the result of a joint development project between Hanwha and ABS that was established in August 2025, with Hanwha Power Systems successfully completing core engineering design and safety verification in a short period of time.
Ammonia emits no CO2 when burned, making it a promising alternative fuel for achieving carbon neutrality in shipping. Hanwha Power Systems is developing a vessel propulsion system that operates on 100% ammonia with no pilot oil (ignition fuel), even in small quantities.
With IMO having set the goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the marine industry by 2050 and introducing specific environmental regulations, the ammonia gas turbine is regarded as a technology that could open up a zero-carbon maritime market.
The AiP was granted after a thorough review and approval process of essential engineering documents, including the process flow diagram (PFD), operation and control philosophy, and equipment list, general arrangement (GA), machinery arrangement (MA), toxic area detection, emergency shutdown system (ESD), fire safety drawings, and the hazard identification (Hazid) report. This approval officially confirms compliance with international safety standards for ammonia-fuelled ships, as certified by ABS.
With this AiP, Hanwha Power Systems has secured the foundation to propose retrofit packages for converting various ship types, including existing LNG carriers, to ammonia fuel. The company plans to strengthen its position in the global ship decarbonisation market through expanded collaboration among shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies.
Hyoung-seok Kim, Head of Maritime Solutions, Hanwha Power Systems, said: “This AiP achievement demonstrates the technical and commercial viability of gas turbine propulsion systems utilising ammonia fuel. We will continue to expand cooperation with shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies to progress toward practical application and commercial operation of this technology.”
Image: ABS has awarded AiP to Hahwha Power Systems for its ammonia-fuelled gas turbine for ship propulsion (source: Hanwha)
