HMM has entered a research partnership with Hanwha Group subsidiaries and Korean Register to explore a zero-carbon propulsion system for future container vessels. The work brings together shipbuilding, engine technology and classification expertise as the company advances its 2045 net-zero goal.
HMM has formalised a new research effort aimed at creating a fully carbon free propulsion system for large container ships. The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with four subsidiaries of Hanwha Group, namely Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, together with Korean Register. The group intends to combine technical capability, operational experience and classification oversight in a single development framework.
The project centres on an ammonia based gas turbine that generates vessel thrust and a fuel cell system that produces electrical power. If successful, the combined arrangement would remove carbon emissions from vessel operations. The partners will begin with applications for container vessels and plan to work on hybrid concepts that combine fuel cells and battery technologies. The agreement also covers economic studies to understand feasibility and the design of new hull forms suited to these systems.
Hanwha Group will contribute expertise across engine technology, shipbuilding and system integration, while Korean Register will lead the work on technical verification and classification pathways. HMM will provide operational insight from its fleet and experience deploying alternative fuels on commercial routes.
The partnership reflects a broader shift in strategy at HMM. The company has brought its net zero target forward to 2045 and has already committed to LNG dual fuel and methanol powered ships to respond to tightening environmental rules and customer expectations. It views the ammonia based approach as a step toward a longer term solution and one that could be deployed on future generations of large vessels.
Container shipping faces increasing pressure to cut emissions as regulations evolve in Europe and internationally. Developing a propulsion system that avoids carbon entirely is viewed as one of the more complex challenges for long haul vessel segments. HMM and its partners hope that combining research, engineering and classification under one programme will create a clearer path for eventual commercial adoption.
The group will begin concept design work this year and expects the partnership to provide a structured platform for further development as zero carbon technologies mature.
