Hanwha, HMM, and KR partner to pioneer next-gen carbon-free ship propulsion systems

The partners will jointly conduct concept designs for advanced propulsion systems, including an integrated solution that combines an ammonia-based gas turbine with fuel cells for 7,000–8,000 TEU-class container vessels

Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global logistics and shipping leader HMM and the Korean Register (KR) to jointly develop and demonstrate next-generation carbon-free ship propulsion systems.

This collaboration unites leading players from the maritime, shipbuilding, and clean technology sectors to accelerate the development, demonstration, and commercialization of zero-carbon ship solutions.

Under the agreement, the partners will jointly conduct concept designs for advanced propulsion systems, including an integrated solution that combines an ammonia-based gas turbine with fuel cells for 7,000–8,000 TEU-class container vessels. They will also develop a hybrid propulsion system combining fuel cell and battery technologies for 2,000 TEU-class feeder vessels. The collaboration will further evaluate the commercial feasibility of these systems and create optimized vessel concepts for future deployment.

“The integrated propulsion system that combines fuel cells and ammonia gas turbines will set a new standard for maritime decarbonization,” said Hyoung-seog Kim, Head of Maritime Solutions Business Division at Hanwha Power Systems. “We will continue to expand collaboration with shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies to bring our technology to actual vessels as soon as possible and advance toward commercial operations.”

“This collaboration represents a strategic partnership to respond to the global shift toward decarbonization,” added Min-kang Kim, Head of the Maritime Office at HMM. “Through demonstration and commercialization, we will accelerate the transition to a future eco-friendly fleet.”

“This project is an exemplary model of cooperation between the shipping, shipbuilding, and classification sectors,” said Kyu-jin Yeon, Senior Vice President at KR. “By establishing safety and regulatory standards from the early research stage, it will contribute to building an international eco-friendly certification system.”

The initiative builds upon Hanwha Power Systems’ recent Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for retrofitting 174K LNG carriers with ammonia gas turbine propulsion systems. The new MOU is expected to further drive the commercialization of fully carbon-free propulsion systems that integrate fuel cells and ammonia gas turbines.

By combining Hanwha Group’s technological expertise, HMM’s operational experience, and KR’s verification and certification capabilities, the partnership creates powerful synergy within the shipbuilding and shipping industries. Hanwha Group will lead the development of integrated propulsion technologies, HMM will support performance validation using operational data, and KR will conduct safety and risk assessments, regulatory reviews, AiP consulting, and economic analyses.

Aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 carbon neutrality goal, the partnership aims to advance and expand zero-carbon propulsion technologies. Hanwha Group, HMM, and KR plan to continue their collaboration beyond the demonstration phase, strengthening the global competitiveness of the shipping and shipbuilding industries while paving the way toward a sustainable maritime future.