Hanwha and Baker Hughes announce agreement for joint development of ammonia gas turbines
Hanwha is working to advance carbon-free shipping by developing ammonia-powered turbines in collaboration with Baker Hughes, driving innovation in maritime energy solutions
Hanwha and Baker Hughes partner to develop ammonia gas turbine technology
Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Power Systems have signed a Joint Development and Collaboration Agreement with Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company, to design and produce eco-friendly ammonia gas turbines with the goal of achieving the world’s first completely carbon-free ship operation. The agreement was announced at the Baker Hughes Annual Meeting 2025 held in Florence, Italy, on February 3.
“This collaborative development of an eco-friendly ammonia gas turbine will be a significant turning point in the global shipbuilding and shipping industry, accelerating the transition to low-carbon fuel propulsion for ships,” said Young-chang Shon, CTO of Hanwha Ocean’s Product Strategy Technology Institute.
The ammonia gas turbine to be developed through this collaboration will be based on Baker Hughes’ existing world-class turbine technology and a newly developed ammonia combustion system created by PSM, a U.S.-based Hanwha subsidiary. The gas turbine will be capable of 100% ammonia combustion and dual fuel operation with natural gas and ammonia blend. It is expected to be a game-changing technology for large shipowners, ultimately enabling a completely carbon-free mode of propulsion.
“The transition to low-carbon fuels in shipping is a defining imperative of our time, and Hanwha Power Systems will continue driving the development of innovative technologies that support the entire life cycle of eco-friendly ships,” said Hyoung-seog Kim, executive vice president and head of Hanwha Power Systems' Marine Solutions Business Department.
Hanwha declared its vision for “The First Fossil-Free Ship on the Water” at the Davos Forum in Switzerland in January 2024. Building on this vision, the company plans to complete the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and container ships using the ammonia gas turbine propulsion system by 2028.
In September 2023, Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Power Systems obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the NH3 Gas Turbine and its application on LNG carriers. Following this achievement, PSM successfully completed the first ammonia combustion test campaign in 2024, while Baker Hughes completed its turbine feasibility studies.
Further advancing the adoption of ammonia-powered propulsion, Hanwha Power Systems signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Gastech 2024 in Houston, U.S., with a major European LNG carrier shipping company. The agreement explores converting its propulsion system to an ammonia gas turbine-based system.
Baker Hughes, founded in 1907, conducts business in over 120 countries and specializes in small and medium-sized gas turbine technology, making it an ideal partner in advancing decarbonized energy propulsion for ships.
Hanwha Ocean
Hanwha Ocean is a leading global company with extensive expertise and experience in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. Boasting the world’s most competitive LNG carriers built with eco-friendly and highly efficient technology, the company has continuously pioneered new businesses since 1973, producing a vast range of vessels, including commercial ships, drillships, and specialty ships. Hanwha Ocean will be at the forefront of pioneering advanced marine solutions for decarbonization and further expand Hanwha’s green energy ecosystem to create positive, sustainable change throughout the world.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhaocean.com
Hanwha Power Systems
Established in 1977, Hanwha Power Systems launched as an energy equipment business in 1997 by building on its reliable technology and deep experience in gas turbine engines. Since then, the company has become a global powerhouse and has delivered more than 7,500 air and gas compressor units worldwide. In 2017, Hanwha Power Systems relaunched as an independent company and achieved an operating surplus for four consecutive years through 2021, establishing a foundation for stable growth. In October 2022, the company was acquired as a subsidiary of Hanwha Impact.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhapowersystems.com
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