Hanwha Power receives ABS AiP for container ship design
Hanwha Power announced on October 23 that it has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its design of a 1,700 TEU battery-powered container ship.
The certificate presentation ceremony occurred on October 22, local time, at the 2026 Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference in Bergen, Norway. Jong-kyu Hwang, Vice President of Technology Solutions at Hanwha Power, attended the ceremony alongside senior representatives from ABS. This event ran from October 21 to 23 at Scandic Bergen City.
The newly approved design concept features a fully electric container vessel powered by a large-scale 151 MWh energy storage system (ESS). Electrical energy stored in containerized battery units serves as the vessel’s primary propulsion source, allowing operation without direct carbon emissions through the use of port charging infrastructure.
The containerized battery setup enhances space efficiency, maximizes cargo capacity, and optimizes overall vessel performance. This innovative approach supports flexible battery replacement and scalable operation, providing a practical pathway for the decarbonization of short-sea and regional container transport.
The AiP strengthens Hanwha Power’s capabilities in fully electric vessel design utilizing large-scale battery energy storage, expanding its portfolio of marine propulsion solutions. The company plans to leverage this accomplishment to pursue initiatives in the next-generation zero-carbon maritime transport market.
In addition to the approval, Hanwha Power has completed the basic design for a 1,000 TEU battery-powered container vessel. Drawing from its expertise in vessel design across various ship classes, the company aims to develop a comprehensive lineup of electric-propulsion vessels tailored to diverse operating conditions and customer needs.
“This AiP from ABS marks a significant step in extending Hanwha Power’s marine technology capabilities to fully electric vessels powered by large-scale battery systems,” stated Jong-kyu Hwang, Vice President of Technology Solutions at Hanwha Power. “We will address the needs of the next-generation zero-carbon maritime transport market with integrated solutions that combine electric propulsion and containerized battery system technologies.”
About Hanwha Power
Hanwha Power is a specialized provider of energy equipment and eco-friendly solutions. Since establishing its Marine Solution Business Division in 2023, the company has actively pursued projects involving vessel retrofits, alternative fuel propulsion, and energy efficiency improvements.
Through differentiated eco-friendly marine solutions, Hanwha Power supports global shipping companies with vessel retrofits, onboard regasification and re-liquefaction systems, increased cargo containment capacity, and alternative fuel conversions. The company is committed to leading the transition towards more sustainable marine transportation.
