Hanwha Ocean Receives Certification for 3 Eco-Friendly Technologies from French Classification Society

Cargo Operation System·Re-liquefaction System·OCCS

Hanwha Ocean has obtained a large number of classification certifications related to carbon dioxide technologies.

Hanwha Ocean announced on the 5th that it received three basic approvals (AIP) from the French BV Classification Society, one of the world's four major classification societies, for ▲the cargo handling system of a self-developed mixed cargo (carbon dioxide?ammonia) carrier ▲the reliquefaction system for liquid carbon dioxide carriers (LCO2 carriers) ▲the onboard carbon capture system (OCCS) for ships.

The carbon dioxide?ammonia mixed cargo carrier is a new concept vessel capable of transporting both carbon dioxide and ammonia. It is evaluated as laying the foundation for ship technology that can dramatically improve operational economy. To obtain this certification, Hanwha Ocean has already completed demonstration of the low-pressure carbon dioxide cargo handling system. Hanwha Ocean has also secured basic certification for the LCO2 carrier cargo handling system from the American, Norwegian, and Korean classification societies to ensure ship safety, which is the top concern of shipowners.

In line with the recent trend of carbon reduction, demand for LCO2 carriers that can safely transport large volumes of carbon dioxide at once is increasing. However, scaling up LCO2 carriers has been challenging. If pressure control inside the cargo hold fails, dry ice can form, threatening ship safety.

To address these issues, Hanwha Ocean recently conducted demonstration tests on pressure control and safety device operation of the cargo handling system at the Energy System Test Center in its Geoje plant. The four-week test was successfully completed, and demonstrations were held for some customers during the test period. Hanwha Ocean plans to hold customer demonstrations for various eco-friendly product lines, including ammonia, in the first half of next year.

(From left) Hanwha Ocean Chief Researcher Joon-Kyu Kang, BV M&O CEO Matthew Dettney, Hanwha Ocean Future Product Strategy Director Hyung-Seok Kim are taking a commemorative photo after obtaining basic approval for three items: Cargo Operation System, Re-liquefaction System, and OCCS. Photo by Hanwha Ocean

Hanwha Ocean also obtained basic certification for the reliquefaction system applied to LCO2 carriers. This system re-liquefies naturally vaporized carbon dioxide and recovers it back into the cargo hold. This reduces cargo hold pressure, enabling safe and optimal ship operation. Hanwha Ocean plans to conduct demonstration tests in the second half of next year. The company stated, "We already possess world-class technology and achievements in reliquefaction systems related to liquefied natural gas (LNG)."

Hanwha Ocean also acquired basic certification for the OCCS using amine (an organic compound in which the hydrogen atoms of ammonia are replaced by hydrocarbon groups). Following the OCCS using sodium hydroxide, the completion of basic development of the amine-based OCCS expands the range of selectable products for customers, giving Hanwha Ocean a competitive edge in future order competitions.

A Hanwha Ocean official said, "With the acquisition of these three basic approvals, we have demonstrated overwhelming technological capabilities in the eco-friendly ship sector," adding, "We expect to lead the market and scale up eco-friendly ships based on technologies verified through demonstrations."