Hanwha Ocean received the Approval in Principle (AIP) from ABS for the multi-purpose fuel supply system and fuel tank. This system enables LNG carriers to switch to ammonia fuel without the need to change the fuel tank and supply system.
Details of the Approval and System Design
This approval, awarded at the Gastech 2026 exhibition, includes the fuel tank and gas supply system of an LNG vessel powered by electric propulsion and a gas turbine. The design of this system is such that it can supply both LNG and ammonia to the gas turbine, facilitating the transition from LNG to ammonia. ABS has evaluated the design by reviewing the relevant class and international requirements.
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Engineering Challenges and Future Goals
Gareth Burton, Senior Vice President of Global Engineering at ABS, stated: "Fuel flexibility is a practical necessity for owners in a changing regulatory environment, and the engineering challenges to achieve this without changing the fuel tank are significant. This design directly addresses this challenge, and ABS is pleased to support Hanwha Ocean in validating the viability of this concept against the relevant requirements."
This approval is part of a series of related projects between ABS and Hanwha Ocean, which includes the design approval of an ammonia gas turbine propulsion system in 2023 and a study on the gas distribution of an LNG vessel with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters and an ammonia gas turbine in 2024.
Young Chang Shon, Chief Technology Officer of Hanwha Ocean, also stated: "Although there are uncertainties regarding the implementation of environmental regulations, the path of the maritime industry towards carbon neutrality is clear. Hanwha Ocean's multi-purpose fuel design provides ship owners with a practical and flexible pathway for transitioning from LNG to ammonia while maintaining long-term competitiveness. Hanwha Ocean will continue to develop future-ready technologies that support sustainable transportation."
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