Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan (photo) identified the establishment of an “electric-propulsion vessel” ecosystem as a new industry that will change the paradigm of the global shipping sector.

In a contribution to the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) on the 15th, Vice Chairman Kim stated, “To realize a zero-carbon marine ecosystem, the power system of vessels must undergo a fundamental transformation,” adding, “A clean-energy marine ecosystem must be built through electric-propulsion ships.” He said, “For the full-scale spread of electric vessels, a stable energy storage system (ESS) is essential,” and emphasized, “Accessible battery charging and replacement infrastructure is needed, and ports must be equipped with power supply systems based on clean energy.”

Kim stressed, “Decarbonizing shipping cannot be achieved through a single technology or policy,” and added, “Cooperation across the entire value chain, encompassing shipyards, port authorities, energy suppliers, and policymakers, is crucial.”

Kim also introduced how Hanwha Group is actively participating in the decarbonization of the shipping industry based on its global shipbuilding and energy technologies. “Hanwha Ocean is pursuing the development of zero-carbon vessels that apply innovative technologies such as ammonia gas turbines,” he said. “By applying advanced ESS and clean-energy solutions across marine infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for ships and ports to evolve together with the entire ecosystem.” He continued, “We are in discussions on a pilot project with European port authorities to provide ESS and vessel charging facilities utilizing clean energy,” and added, “Hanwha will use its technological capabilities to establish a new standard for global marine clean-energy systems.”

Kim first participated in the WEF in 2010 and was selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) in 2013. In 2024, he spoke at the Forum’s Annual Meeting and proposed a “zero-carbon propulsion gas carrier.”

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