Hanwha Ocean, a global player in eco-friendly ship technology, has secured a significant order from Naftomar Shipping and Trading Co Ltd. (Naftomar) in Greece.
The order, valued at KRW 656.2 billion, is for four Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs). These state-of-the-art vessels, capable of transporting an impressive 93,000 cubic meters of ammonia, are set to be constructed at the Geoje Plant and delivered to Naftomar by the first half of 2027.
Marking a milestone, this order represents the largest-ever ammonia carrier commissioned globally. Hanwha Ocean's commitment to sustainability is evident, as the vessels will be equipped with their cutting-edge eco-friendly technology, including the Shaft Generator Motor (SGM) and Hanwha SmartShip Solution & Service (HS4).
The SGM enhances fuel efficiency by generating power through a connected motor to the propulsion shaft. Additionally, the HS4 is a smart ship platform developed by Hanwha Ocean. Remarkably, the vessel can be converted to ammonia propulsion in the future, offering flexibility to the owner.
Naftomar, a leading shipping company specializing in the global transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and ammonia, has been strategically expanding its fleet of large LPG carriers. This move aligns with Naftomar's vision of becoming a frontrunner in the energy transition and decarbonization.
"This order once again recognizes Hanwha Ocean's eco-friendly ship technology," said an official from Hanwha Ocean. "We will continue to build the highest quality ships to lead the eco-friendly and digital sector."
Ammonia emerges as a key player in the carbon-free era, being an eco-friendly fuel that emits no carbon dioxide when burned. Notably, it can be converted into hydrogen, making it an economically efficient means of hydrogen transportation.
Hanwha Ocean has been proactive in developing technologies for carbon-free ships, receiving Approval In Principle (AIP) for an 86,000 cubic meter ammonia carrier from French classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) in September 2022 and Lloyd's Register (LR) in October.
Meanwhile, the company is focusing on developing alternative fuels and eco-friendly technologies to lead the way in the era of zero-carbon ships. The company plans to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eventually commercialize zero-carbon ships with ammonia propulsion, direct hydrogen propulsion, and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.
