ABS approves new ammonia-ready maritime designs from Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai

At Gastech 2026, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for two significant maritime technology designs aimed at supporting the transition to ammonia as a marine fuel.

Hanwha Ocean received AiP for a multi-purpose fuel tank and fuel gas supply system designed for electrically-propelled LNG carriers. This system allows vessels to transition from LNG to ammonia fuel without the need to replace existing fuel tanks or supply systems, providing flexibility as environmental regulations evolve.

Additionally, ABS awarded AiP to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a 22,000-cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. This vessel is specifically designed to supply ammonia as marine fuel, addressing the infrastructure requirements needed as more ammonia-fueled ships enter the market.