ABS Approves Hanwha Power's 22,000 m3 LNG Bunkering Vessel Design

Hanwha Power has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the conceptual design of a 22,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessel at Gastech 2026 in Thailand.

With this AiP, Hanwha Power completes its range of medium and large LNG bunkering vessels, with capacities ranging from 7,500 to 22,000 m3.

A key feature of the design is its ability to carry multiple cargoes of LNG and ammonia, allowing for the transport of both fuels. The design incorporates Mc-C high-manganese steel cargo containment technology, which allows for adaptation to future alternative fuels with minimal modifications, providing shipowners with greater flexibility and long-term competitiveness.

Given the coastal operational profile of bunkering vessels, Hanwha Power implemented a hybrid-electric propulsion system that integrates shore power supply (OPS) with an energy storage system (ESS). This minimizes polluting emissions during berthing or operation in coastal areas, while improving operational efficiency and economic performance.

Hanwha Power also incorporated core Group technologies, such as dual-fuel generator sets, energy storage systems (ESS), electrical power system integration, integrated automation systems, and cargo handling systems. Through this integration, the company seeks to maximize the competitiveness and synergies of its integrated engineering and procurement (EP) package.

"This ABS AiP project represents another important milestone demonstrating Hanwha Power's technological reliability and commercial viability in the global eco-friendly vessel market. Leveraging Hanwha Group's differentiated capabilities in clean technologies, we will continue to offer shipowners worldwide optimized integrated solutions for the transition to more sustainable shipping," said Hoon-min Kim, Head of Hanwha Power's Marine Solutions Division, who attended the certificate presentation ceremony alongside Jong-kyu Hwang, Vice President of Technical Solutions, and representatives from ABS.