Hanwha and Baker Hughes Collaborate on World’s First Carbon-free Ship Propulsion System

Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Power Systems have partnered with global energy technology leader Baker Hughes to develop the world’s first carbon-free ship propulsion system. The joint development agreement for an ammonia gas turbine was signed in Florence, Italy, on Feb. 4, marking a pivotal moment in the transition to eco-friendly fuel propulsion in the global shipbuilding and shipping industry.

The collaboration aims to create an ammonia gas turbine capable of 100% ammonia combustion, with the flexibility to mix ammonia with natural gas as needed. This innovative engine can ignite using only ammonia fuel, achieving complete carbon neutrality. Hanwha plans to complete the development of LNG carriers and container ships equipped with this ammonia gas turbine propulsion system by 2028.

Hanwha Ocean has already received conceptual approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for an LNG carrier design based on an ammonia gas turbine. At the Gastech 2024 held in September last year, Hanwha unveiled the next-generation carbon-free propulsion LNG carrier Ocean1, equipped with various eco-friendly digital solutions. Hanwha Power Systems, developing the ammonia full combustion combustor to be applied to the ammonia gas turbine, also received ABS approval for the ammonia gas turbine in September 2023, following the successful completion of an ammonia full combustion test last year.

Son Young-chang, director of Hanwha Ocean Product Strategy and Technology, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “This collaborative development of an eco-friendly ammonia gas turbine will be a significant turning point in accelerating the transition to eco-friendly fuel propulsion in the global shipbuilding and shipping industry.”

Alessandro Bresciani, vice president of Baker Hughes, highlighted the urgency of carbon reduction in the transportation sector, noting, “Carbon reduction in the transportation sector is one of today’s most urgent and high-potential opportunities. Ammonia will play a key role in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Ammonia is increasingly being considered as an alternative fuel in the maritime industry due to its potential for carbon-free combustion. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide when burned, making it an attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in shipping. The global shipping industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) setting targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 levels.

Baker Hughes, established in 1907 and operating in over 120 countries, is renowned for its expertise in small and medium-sized gas turbine technology. The company’s involvement in the development of ammonia gas turbines underscores the importance of collaboration between established energy companies and emerging technologies in achieving carbon reduction goals.
Source: Business Korea