Hanwha Power secures ABS AiP for LNG bunkering vessel
Hanwha Power has announced that it received approval in principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the concept design of a 22,000-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessel, unveiled during Gastech 2026, the world’s largest gas and energy exhibition held in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 16.
At Gastech 2026, Hanwha Power collaborated with key marine and energy affiliates, including Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Engine, to showcase its full range of marine solutions. The group emphasized its advancements in eco-friendly vessels, propulsion systems, marine equipment, and related technologies.
The presentation of the certificate took place on September 15, local time, and featured attendance from Hanwha Power’s Marine Solution Business Division Head, Hoon-min Kim, Vice President Jong-kyu Hwang who oversees Technical Solutions, along with significant representatives from ABS.
This recent AiP completion allows Hanwha Power to finalize its offerings of medium- and large-scale LNG bunkering vessels, which now range from 7,500-cubic-meters to 22,000-cubic-meters.
A notable aspect of this concept design is its LNG-ammonia multi-cargo capability, which empowers the vessel to not only transport LNG but also ammonia, a rising next-generation bridge fuel. The vessel design leverages high-manganese steel cargo containment technology (Mc-C), ensuring it can seamlessly transition to alternative fuels with minimal design changes. This strategic approach affords shipowners enhanced long-term technological flexibility and competitive advantage.
Understanding the operational dynamics of bunkering vessels, which primarily function in coastal waters, Hanwha Power has integrated a hybrid electric propulsion system. This setup combines an onshore power supply (OPS) system with an energy storage system (ESS), significantly reducing harmful emissions during docking or coastal operations, while also boosting operational efficiency and economic viability.
Additionally, Hanwha Power has embedded its core technologies, including dual-fuel generator sets, ESS, an integrated electrical power system, automation systems, and cargo handling capabilities. Employing this technological integration aims to elevate competitiveness and business synergy within the company’s engineering and procurement (EP) package.
Hoon-min Kim remarked, “This ABS AiP marks another important milestone showing Hanwha Power’s technological reliability and commercial viability in the global eco-friendly vessel market. Fueled by Hanwha Group’s specialized clean-technology capabilities, we are committed to offering global shipowners optimized integrated solutions for the transition to more sustainable marine transportation.”
About Hanwha Power
Hanwha Power specializes in energy equipment and eco-friendly solutions, having established its Marine Solution Business Division in 2023. The company actively pursues initiatives that involve vessel retrofits, alternative-fuel propulsion, and energy efficiency enhancements.
Hanwha Power delivers innovative eco-friendly marine solutions to global shipping firms, which include vessel retrofits, onboard regasification and re-liquefaction systems, expanded cargo containment capacity, and alternative-fuel conversions. Through these initiatives, the company is spearheading the transition towards sustainable marine transportation.
About ABS
Founded in 1862 and headquartered in the United States, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a prominent international classification society. ABS is responsible for evaluating and certifying the technical compliance and safety of ships and offshore structures throughout their design, construction, and operational phases.
