Hanwha Power Systems receives AiP for ammonia gas turbine retrofit
By on September 14, 2025
Click to learn more. Hanwha Power Systems receives AiP from the American Bureau of Shipping for its ammonia gas turbine conversion design at Gastech 2025. Source: Hanwha Power Systems.
At the recent Gastech event in Milan, Italy, Hanwha Power Systems received Approval in Principle from the American Bureau of Shipping for its gas turbine conversion design. Together with Baker Hughes and Hanwha subsidiary PSM, the small-size, 100% ammonia-capable turbine for maritime applications has been under development throughout this year, and the partners are aiming for conversion of 174,000 m3 capacity LNG carriers by 2028. Hanwha is working separately with Gaslog on conversion of its existing LNG carrier fleet to be powered with ammonia gas turbines.
The AiP was granted after a thorough review and approval process of essential engineering documents, including the process flow diagram (PFD), operation and control philosophy, and equipment list, general arrangement (GA), machinery arrangement (MA), toxic area detection, emergency shutdown system (ESD), fire safety drawings, and the hazard identification (HAZID) report. This approval officially confirms compliance with international safety standards for ammonia-fueled ships, as certified by the ABS.
AiP review details, in Hanwha Power System’s official press release, 12 Sept 2025
This AiP achievement demonstrates the technical and commercial viability of gas turbine propulsion systems utilizing ammonia fuel. We will continue to expand cooperation with shipowners, shipyards, and classification societies to progress toward practical application and commercial operation of this technology.
Hyoung-seok Kim, Head of Maritime Solutions Business Division at Hanwha Power Systems, in his organisation’s official press release, 12 Sept 2025
Fuel flexible turbines
The combustion system for the turbine retrofits was developed by PSM, a US-based Hanwha subsidiary that presented the technology at last year’s annual AEA conference. The combustion system will enable the turbine to be fully “fuel-flexible”: 100% ammonia combustion to 100% gas combustion and any variable blend in between. For the initial phase of commercialization, ignition/startup will be via gas. As a second phase, the development plans for the combustor will allow full ammonia operation from ignition.
PSM reports that the retrofitted turbines will be able to meet the IMO’s rigorous Tier III NOx emissions standards without the need for any exhaust treatment with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), a result that allows for improved operational cost and reduced power plant design complexity.