Four Hanwha Group affiliates, including Hanwha Power System, Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha System, HMM and Korea Shipment Company (KR), will develop a carbon-free propulsion system that combines ammonia gas turbines and fuel cells.
On the 22nd, HMM announced on the 23rd that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on “Technical Cooperation for the Joint Development of the Next Generation Carbon-Free Promotion System” at the “International Shipbuilding and Marine Industry Exhibition (Komarin 2025)” in Busan.
The next-generation carbon-free propulsion system is a system that operates ships with electricity generated by ammonia gas turbines (GT) and fuel cells. Ammonia gas turbines generate power by burning ammonia, a carbon-free fuel, and fuel cells generate power through a chemical reaction in which oxygen and hydrogen combine to emit no carbon.
Participating companies will develop a system suitable for the operation of small and medium-sized container ships and jointly promote the development of new concepts of ships using a carbon-free propulsion system. Hanwha Group will develop a propulsion system including ammonia gas turbines and fuel cells. HMM will conduct demonstration based on ship operation experience, and KR will continue cooperation to acquire international certification, including safety review and regulatory requirement advice.
“This cooperation is a strategic partnership to respond to the global decarbonization transition trend,” said Kim Min-gang, head of HMM’s maritime affairs office. Kim Hyung-seok, head of Hanwha Power System’s ship solution business, said, “We will continue to expand cooperation with shipping companies, shipyards, and classification to link the application of solid lines and commercial operations.”
Source: Maeil Business Newspaper