HMM said on the 22nd that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for technological cooperation with Hanwha Group and Korean Register (KR) to jointly develop a next-generation carbon-free propulsion system.
The signing ceremony was held on the 22nd at Hanwha Ocean's booth at the Korea Marine Equipment and Offshore Plant Expo (KOMARINE 2025) underway in Busan, with about 30 officials from each company attending.
They will develop a system that operates ships using electricity generated by ammonia, gas turbines, and fuel cells. From Hanwha Group, Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems will participate.
The ammonia and gas turbine propulsion system generates electricity by combusting ammonia, and fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction combining oxygen and hydrogen, so they do not emit carbon.
The participating companies plan to jointly pursue the development of a system suitable for operating small and mid-size container ships, and further, the development of a new-concept vessel using carbon-free propulsion.
In this project, Hanwha Group will develop propulsion systems such as ammonia gas turbines and fuel cells, and HMM will conduct demonstrations based on its vessel operation experience. KR plans to continue cooperation to obtain international certification, including safety reviews and advice on regulatory requirements.
Kim Min-gang, head of HMM's maritime division, said, "This cooperation is a strategic partnership to respond to the global shift toward decarbonization, and we will accelerate the transition to a future eco-friendly fleet through demonstration and commercialization."