Alfa Laval Korea and Hanwha Ocean Ecotech have signed a new cooperation agreement to advance ammonia fuel systems for dual-fuel vessels. The partnership brings together engineering expertise from both companies as interest in alternative fuels expands across shipyards and owners. A pilot installation is planned as part of the early work.
Alfa Laval Korea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Ocean Ecotech that will bring the two companies closer together on the development of ammonia fuel systems for future dual-fuel vessels. The agreement, signed during Kormarine 2025, reflects growing momentum in the search for practical low carbon fuel technologies and the need for safe, commercially viable systems.
The partnership will combine Alfa Laval’s fuel system technologies, including its ammonia fuel supply system, fuel safety systems and its Ammonia Release Mitigation System, with Hanwha’s experience in system engineering and integration. Both companies described the cooperation as a way to capture early project opportunities as the demand for ammonia powered vessels increases.
“This MOU is more than just technical cooperation – it represents a strategic partnership to secure leadership in Korea and Asia’s sustainable shipbuilding market. By combining our strengths, we aim to accelerate the decarbonization of global shipping with safe and reliable ammonia fuel solutions,” said Young-Gu Choi, Managing Director of Alfa Laval Korea.
Hanwha Ocean Ecotech is expected to take a core role in integrating the systems across full vessel designs. Its CEO, Chang-Keun Lee, said, “Partnering with Alfa Laval is a significant opportunity to deliver safer and more efficient ammonia fuel systems to our customers. Through pilot projects and subsequent commercial projects, we will maximize synergies and bring greater value to the maritime industry.”
The companies plan to work together on business development and targeted projects, with the goal of building a pilot installation that can form the basis for wider commercial collaboration. Both sides say the shared approach will support productivity and strengthen safety across new vessel designs.
Alfa Laval’s work on ammonia systems extends beyond this agreement. The company continues to collaborate with engine designer WinGD on testing its ammonia fuel supply system, mitigation systems and fuel valve trains. It has also contributed to a wider project with K Shipbuilding, WinGD and the American Bureau of Shipping, which includes its Aalborg ammonia dual fuel boiler system.
Together, these partnerships underline how technology providers and shipyards are beginning to shape the next phase of decarbonisation. With ammonia systems still in early development, cooperation across engineering, safety and integration will be critical for any large scale uptake in the years ahead.
