Hanwha Power recently announced that it has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its innovative concept design of a 22,000 cubic meter (cbm) LNG bunkering vessel. A key feature of this design is its multi-cargo capability, allowing the vessel to transport both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia. This AiP was formally awarded on September 15, 2026, during the Gastech 2026 event held in Bangkok.
This latest approval signifies a significant milestone for Hanwha Power, as it completes their comprehensive portfolio of medium- to large-scale LNG bunkering vessels, which now spans capacities from 7,500 cbm up to 22,000 cbm. The company highlighted that the vessel's design incorporates advanced high-manganese steel cargo containment technology, known as Mc-C. This technology is crucial for adapting to future alternative marine fuels, ensuring the vessel's long-term viability and flexibility in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this development indicates a growing commitment within the maritime industry towards diversified and cleaner fuel options. The availability of multi-cargo bunker vessels for LNG and ammonia could lead to more reliable and flexible bunkering infrastructure for ships adopting these alternative fuels. This could, in turn, influence vessel routing decisions and potentially stabilize or reduce fuel costs for carriers using these fuels, ultimately impacting freight rates and service offerings. As more vessels transition to LNG and ammonia, the operational efficiency and widespread availability of such bunkering services will become increasingly important for global supply chains.