Hanwha Power Systems Achieves Milestone Approval for Ammonia Fuel Gas Turbine Retrofit Design

In a transformative moment for the global shipping industry, Hanwha Power Systems has secured Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its pioneering ammonia fuel gas turbine retrofit design tailored for 174,000 cubic meter liquefied natural gas carriers. This accomplishment marks a significant advancement towards realizing the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The AIP represents a groundbreaking milestone as it is the first time such a retrofit design has garnered formal approval. The project emerged from a swift collaborative effort between Hanwha and ABS, initiated on August 13, 2025, and culminated in the rapid completion of essential engineering design and safety verification processes.

Central to this innovation is a propulsion system that operates entirely on ammonia, a zero-carbon energy source composed solely of nitrogen and hydrogen. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, ammonia combustion emits no carbon dioxide, positioning it as a highly promising alternative for decarbonizing the maritime sector. Hanwha’s design further enhances its environmental credentials by eliminating the need for any pilot oil ignition fuel, reinforcing its zero-carbon capabilities.

Receiving AIP is a critical validation in the maritime sector, affirming that new designs adhere to international safety standards and are technically feasible. This particular approval followed a meticulous review of essential engineering documents, including process flow diagrams, general arrangements, and a comprehensive hazard identification report. Such rigorous scrutiny ensures that the ammonia-fueled design is not only effective but also safe and reliable for real-world applications.

Hyoung Seok Kim, head of the maritime solutions business division at Hanwha Power Systems, emphasized that the AIP underscores the technical and commercial viability of gas turbine propulsion systems using ammonia fuel. He reiterated the company's commitment to fostering collaboration with shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies to advance this technology toward practical implementation and commercial readiness.

The successful acquisition of AIP positions Hanwha Power Systems to market retrofit packages aimed at converting various existing vessels to ammonia fuel, thereby establishing the company as a key player in the global ship decarbonization landscape. The innovative design serves as a model for eco-friendly vessel conversion, aligning with the IMO's decarbonization regulations while ensuring safety, reliability, and commercial viability through collaborative efforts across the industry.

As part of its ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable shipping solutions, Hanwha Power Systems is showcasing its ammonia gas turbines and other technologies at the Gastech 2025 exhibition in Milan, Italy. This event underscores the company’s role as a pivotal partner in the journey toward achieving carbon neutrality in the maritime sector.