Dong Kwan (DK) Kim, vice chairman of Hanwha Group, has introduced the company’s plans to build a zero-emission gas carrier.
Powered entirely by alternative fuels, the new vessel is said to be an industry first – developed using Hanwha’s proprietary green technology. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Kim emphasized the importance of global collaboration to bring such green technologies to fruition and grow market demand.
Kim shared Hanwha’s blueprint for the development of a carbon-free vessel powered by alternative fuels such as ammonia. As existing internal combustion engines require 5-15% of pilot fuel, diesel, for ignition, building a vessel free of carbon emissions requires a fundamentally different approach. This is why Hanwha is developing an ammonia-powered gas turbine to replace conventional engines, thus eliminating the need for pilot fuel.
To achieve carbon-free electrification, Hanwha also plans to install hydrogen fuel cells with energy storage systems (ESS) as the vessel’s auxiliary source of power. An integrated ammonia cracker will produce the hydrogen required for the fuel cells on board.
Kim also announced plans to own and operate the newly developed green ships to bring the technology to maturity. He said that deep-sea vessels are capital-intensive investments that take anywhere from two to three years to build and remain in service for two to three decades. He pointed out that this makes it extremely difficult for shipowners to invest in budding technologies. By demonstrating the benefits of green ship technology, Hanwha aims to lower the barriers for shipowner investment and drive demand.
“Hanwha is challenging existing industry frameworks, spearheading new innovations, and paving the way for maritime decarbonization,” said Kim. “We’re taking a holistic approach to the energy transition, driving disruptive change not only in the production and storage of clean energy but in transportation as well. Advancing green ship technology and establishing a robust clean energy value chain will help us gain ground in our journey toward net zero.”
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