Hanwha’s three affiliates sign joint development MOU with classification society RINA Advancing ship hybridization in line with maritime decarbonization trends Targeting the eco-friendly ship newbuilding and retrofit markets Hanwha Power Systems to oversee ship design and interface integration
Hanwha Group announced on the 13th that its core affiliates in the marine, energy and propulsion sectors — Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Engine — have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean branch of Italian classification and certification society RINA (RINA Asia BV Korea Branch) for the joint development of a “battery hybrid propulsion system.” A classification society is an organization that verifies and certifies a vessel’s structural safety, equipment standards and operational compatibility (whether a vessel can safely berth at a specific terminal/port and conduct loading and unloading operations).
This agreement was concluded to jointly develop technology to convert internal-combustion-engine-based propulsion systems into battery-applied hybrid systems in response to the global trend toward decarbonization at sea. It encompasses not only newly built vessels but also the eco-friendly retrofit market for existing ships. The goal is to realize an integrated solution that combines the hardware capabilities of the three Hanwha companies with RINA’s certification expertise.
Hanwha Power Systems supplies turbo air and gas compressors, eco-friendly power generation solutions and energy efficiency solutions. Since launching its Ship Solution Business Division in 2023, it has strengthened its position in the eco-friendly ship retrofit market through various contracts, including floating storage and regasification units (LNG FSRU, Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) and reliquefaction retrofit projects.
In this project, Hanwha Power Systems will serve as the control tower. It will oversee ship design and system interface integration technology. The plan is to integrate Hanwha Aerospace’s marine energy storage system (ESS) and Hanwha Engine’s propulsion engine technology with Hanwha Power Systems’ design capabilities to complete an advanced battery hybrid propulsion vessel.
From left: Yoon Jin-sung, Head of the MDS Business Unit at Hanwha Aerospace; Simone Manca, Vice President, North East Asia Marine at RINA; Kim Hyung-seok, Head of the Ship Solution Business Division at Hanwha Power Systems; and Kim Eun-chul, Head of Design at Hanwha Engine, pose for a commemorative photo after signing the memorandum of understanding.
Hanwha Aerospace plans to transfer aerospace energy technology to its marine ESS to enhance safety and reliability. Hanwha Engine will use its medium-speed engine technology to optimize the engine–power system, maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing carbon emissions.
RINA will review rapidly changing international maritime regulations and certification requirements, analyze global ferry industry trends, and provide technical guidelines so that the system can be established as an international standard.
“This collaboration is a project that maximizes synergies by bringing together the integrated capabilities of Hanwha affiliates in energy facilities, batteries and engines,” said Kim Hyung-seok, Head of the Ship Solution Business Division at Hanwha Power Systems. “Through cooperation with RINA, the company will secure reliable technological capabilities and expand its influence in the global eco-friendly ship market.”
Kim Min-beom
AI-translated with ChatGPT. Provided as is; original Korean text prevails.
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