Hanwha and HMM Develop Carbon-Free Propulsion Systems for Ships: Path to Fleet Decarbonization by 2050

Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s HMM container and shipping company and the classification society Korean Register (KR) to jointly develop and test carbon-free propulsion systems for ships.

The partners will combine their expertise in maritime operations, shipbuilding, and technology to accelerate the testing and potential commercialization of eco-friendly solutions for vessels.

Hyoung-seog Kim, head of Hanwha Power Systems‘ maritime solutions division, stated: “The integrated propulsion system combining fuel cells and ammonia gas turbines will set a new standard for maritime decarbonization. We will continue to expand collaborations with shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies to apply our technology to actual vessels as soon as possible and move toward commercial operations.”

The next-generation systems include a combined ammonia gas turbine and fuel cell setup for container ships in the 7 000 – 8 000 TEU range, as well as a hybrid fuel cell and battery system for 2 000 TEU feeder vessels. The collaborators will assess the commercial viability of these technologies and design new vessel concepts tailored to them.

Hanwha Group will lead the development of the integrated propulsion systems, while HMM will provide operational data to validate performance. Korean Register will conduct initial risk and safety assessments, advise on Approval in Principle (AiP), verify regulatory compliance and certification, and perform economic evaluations.

This initiative builds on Hanwha Power Systems recent AiP from the American Bureau of Shipping for retrofitting 174K LNG carriers with ammonia gas turbine propulsion. Min-kang Kim, head of HMM’s maritime office, commented: “Through demonstration and commercialization, we will accelerate the transition to a future eco-friendly fleet.”

The project supports the expansion of zero-carbon ship propulsion in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Following trials and evaluations, Hanwha Group, HMM, and KR plan to further advance zero-carbon propulsion technologies, strengthening the global competitiveness of shipping and shipbuilding industries.

Kyu-jin Yeon, senior vice president of KR, emphasized: “This project is an exemplary model of cooperation where the shipping, shipbuilding, and classification sectors jointly establish safety and regulatory standards from the early research stage. It will contribute to building an international eco-friendly certification system.“