Hanwha Power has obtained approval in principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the concept design of a 22,000m³ LNG bunkering vessel, the company announced on September 16 at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The certificate presentation ceremony took place on September 15, attended by Hanwha Power Marine Solutions business division head Hoon-min Kim, vice president Jong-kyu Hwang, who oversees Technical Solutions, and ABS representatives.
With the new AIP, Hanwha Power has completed its line-up of medium- and large-scale LNG bunkering vessels, ranging from 7,500 to 22,000m³.
The concept design features LNG-ammonia multicargo capability, allowing the vessel to transport both LNG and ammonia. It incorporates high-manganese steel cargo containment technology, called Mc-C, which the company says allows the vessel to adapt to future alternative fuels with minimal design modifications.
Hanwha Power has also applied a hybrid electric propulsion system integrating an onshore power supply (OPS) system with an energy storage system (ESS), designed for vessels that operate primarily in coastal waters and while berthed. The company said the system is intended to reduce harmful emissions and improve operational efficiency.
The design also incorporates Hanwha’s dual-fuel generator sets, ESS, electrical power system integration, integrated automation system and cargo handling system as part of the company’s integrated engineering and procurement (EP) package.
Hoon-min Kim said, “This ABS AIP marks another important milestone demonstrating Hanwha Power’s technological reliability and commercial viability in the global eco-friendly vessel market. Building on the Hanwha Group’s differentiated clean-technology capabilities, we will continue to provide global shipowners with optimized integrated solutions for the transition to more sustainable marine transportation.”
In related news, Lloyd’s Register, KSOE and HHI to design hybrid electric LNG carrier