The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), along with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), has successfully completed a joint development project for a high-efficiency 16,000-TEU ultra-large container ship featuring a battery hybrid system. ABS granted approval in principle (AiP) to the companies for the vessel’s electrical analysis and design after thorough reviews aligned with class requirements.
This initiative aims to incorporate battery technology into large commercial vessels, enhancing efficiency and supporting emissions reduction goals. Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President for Marine Business Development, emphasized the significance of this milestone in advancing hybrid electrical systems for commercial shipping. He highlighted ABS’s commitment to safety and technical excellence in tackling deployment challenges.
Byung-Hun Kwon, Executive Vice President at HD KSOE, noted that this achievement contributes to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 carbon-neutral target. He reaffirmed the commitment to fostering trust among global shipping entities through ongoing innovations in eco-friendly ship technologies, including battery-integrated solutions.
This latest approval follows an earlier AiP from ABS in 2025 that focused on electric propulsion systems, marking a significant step forward in sustainable maritime practices.
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