Hanwha Ocean Unveils World's First Fossil Fuel-Free Ship: "Leading Marine Decarbonization"

Synergy with Hanwha Engine and Hanwha Power Systems

Hanwha Ocean unveiled a zero-carbon ship equipped with advanced eco-friendly technology, presenting its vision for marine decarbonization.

Hanwha Ocean announced on the 20th that it held an 'LNG Ship User Forum' for shipowners and classification societies at 'Gastech 2024' currently taking place in Houston, USA.

Hanwha Ocean exhibited a model of the next-generation zero-carbon propulsion LNG carrier at 'Gastech 2024'. (Provided by Hanwha Ocean)

At the event, Hanwha Ocean revealed for the first time the next-generation zero-carbon propulsion liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier 'Ocean1,' equipped with eco-friendly and digital solutions. This vessel incorporates the specific technology of the 'world's first fossil fuel-free ship' announced at the Swiss Davos Forum last January and is expected to be the best alternative in the 'net-zero' era.

The ship adopts an ammonia gas turbine-based electric propulsion system, designed to enable completely zero-carbon propulsion without fossil fuels. It can also operate on a dual fuel mix of LNG and ammonia, which are widely used as ship fuels today, and has the flexibility to incorporate fuel cell and battery technologies in the future.

Hanwha Ocean also introduced a plan to utilize the high-manganese steel LNG fuel tank MCTIB as the cargo hold for LNG carriers. MCTIB has been applied as a fuel tank in ultra-large crude oil carriers and container ships built by Hanwha Ocean. Using MCTIB as a cargo hold is expected to significantly reduce evaporative gas and improve transportation efficiency.

Hanwha Ocean presented its vision for the commercialization of autonomous ships. Fully autonomous ships without crew require unmanned operation and unmanned cargo loading and unloading technologies. The forum showcased supporting control systems, navigation systems, smart ship solutions, and digital twin technologies.

A plan to create synergy through collaboration with Hanwha Engine and Hanwha Power Systems was also introduced. Hanwha Engine’s remote engine monitoring system detects engine abnormalities and notifies when parts need replacement. When linked with Hanwha Ocean’s smart ship solutions in the future, it will provide the capability to monitor engine status in real time from shore.

Hanwha Power Systems presented an eco-friendly solution that replaces fossil fuel engines on currently operating ships with ammonia gas turbines. While building new ships may be burdensome, this solution attracted attention from shipowners who need to economically operate existing vessels while meeting carbon emission regulations.

A Hanwha Ocean official stated, "The zero-carbon propulsion LNG carrier is an innovative eco-friendly solution that will lead the industry," adding, "We will further strengthen collaboration with affiliates to firmly establish our position as a global ocean solution provider leading marine decarbonization."