"Ship Lighting Also Cuts Carbon Emissions and Power Usage... Hanwha Ocean Commercializes Smart Control System"

CO2 Emissions and Power Consumption Halved

Stricter Ship Environmental Regulations Drive Demand for Smart Solutions

A smart lighting system that efficiently controls lighting within ships, reducing carbon emissions and power consumption by nearly half, is expected to be commercialized.

Hanwha Ocean has begun the commercialization of a smart lighting system for ships that simultaneously reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

Hanwha Ocean (CEO Kwon Hyukwoong, Vice Chairman) announced on the 12th that it has obtained Approval In Principle (AIP) for its 'Smart Lighting System' applied to ships from KR (Korean Register). This means the technology's feasibility has been verified through various evaluations conducted by the classification society.

Seo Haengmyung, Executive Director of Hanwha Ocean (6th from the left), Seo Youngwoo, CEO of Daeyang Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (4th from the left), and Yeon Gyujin, Head of Drawing Approval Office at KR (8th from the left) are taking a commemorative photo after the concept approval ceremony for the smart lighting control system.

The smart lighting control system that received AIP this time adjusts brightness dynamically according to ship zones. In the ship's internal corridors, motion detection sensors are used so that lights turn on only when there is movement. In the engine room, brightness is controlled according to time, reducing it to as low as 5% of normal levels outside working hours. In public spaces such as dining rooms, switches are installed to allow direct adjustment of brightness.

Additionally, for the first time in the shipbuilding industry, a central lighting control program has been installed on ships to enhance convenience. Through the lighting control program of the central control unit located in the wheelhouse, lights installed on the ship can be controlled individually or by group. It also allows for monitoring of lighting status, detection of malfunction alarms, and provides a record-keeping function.

According to an economic analysis of the smart lighting control system based on a 174,000㎥ LNG carrier, annual carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by up to 45% compared to conventional lighting. Fuel and power consumption decreased by 44%. As a result of optimizing brightness, the lifespan of the lighting increased by 48%.

In February, Hanwha Ocean signed a business agreement with Daeyang Electric Co., Ltd. and KR for joint technology development of the smart lighting control system for ships and focused on securing related technologies.

Going forward, Hanwha Ocean plans to link the smart lighting control system with its own smart ship platform (Hanwha Smart-Ship Solution & Service) to provide integrated control.

As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strengthens marine environmental regulations, demand is increasing for eco-friendly solutions that reduce carbon emissions while also ensuring operational efficiency. The IMO enforces strong decarbonization policies, such as requiring ships to reduce speed or restricting operations if their carbon emissions exceed standards.

According to experts in the shipbuilding and marine sector, the Energy Efficiency Technologies Information Portal established by the IMO suggests the construction of an Energy Efficient Lighting System as one method to reduce ship fuel consumption. Accordingly, there is a growing need for high-efficiency lighting systems that implement optimal brightness within ships to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption.

Seo Haengmyung, Executive Director of Hanwha Ocean, said, "It is significant that we have secured the first eco-friendly lighting technology solution for ships among domestic shipyards in response to strengthened global environmental regulations," and added, "We will actively develop eco-friendly products and technologies to meet customer demand."

Seo Youngwoo, CEO of Daeyang Electric Co., Ltd., said, "The smart lighting control system, which dramatically reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions, has been upgraded through collaboration with Hanwha Ocean and KR, and we are very satisfied to have obtained AIP for the first time in the world. We will continue to focus on developing eco-friendly products."

Yeon Kyujin, Head of Drawing Approval at KR, emphasized, "This is a good example of applying digital technology to ships in response to decarbonization regulations," and added, "KR will continue to provide technical support in cooperation with Hanwha Ocean and Daeyang Electric Co., Ltd. to ensure the stable application of the system on ships."