ABS has completed a pioneering safety evaluation of ammonia dispersion on an ammonia-fueled gas turbine LNG carrier design from Hanwha Ocean, marking a significant advancement in the safety and adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
The evaluation, conducted in collaboration with Hanwha Ocean, involved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that modeled multiple ammonia release scenarios. These scenarios included potential accidental leakages from key locations such as the engine room, pipelines, and bunkering stations on the deck. The study is one of the most thorough in the industry, analyzing various ammonia release situations to assess potential risks.
The analysis revealed that Hanwha Ocean’s system complies with ABS rules concerning the toxicity and risks of accumulated ammonia gas. The high-fidelity, three-dimensional simulations provided detailed insights that will help Hanwha Ocean improve safety features such as ventilation arrangements, vent mast locations, gas release speeds, and the placement of air intakes for manned spaces. This information will guide design enhancements to reduce risks in the detailed design stage of the vessel.
In addition to the simulation work, ABS subsidiary, ABSG Consulting Inc., conducted a comprehensive quantitative risk assessment. As a leading global risk management company, ABSG provided Hanwha Ocean with valuable insights into the likelihood of ammonia-related incidents and the potential risks involved, allowing the company to develop robust mitigation strategies.
“This project allowed ABS to combine its world-leading modeling and simulation capabilities with our deep insight into the application of ammonia as a marine fuel. The toxicity of ammonia is a safety challenge, so understanding its behavior in the event of a leak is a critical step toward enabling its wider adoption by the industry. Our analysis will help Hanwha Ocean continue to optimize its design to identify areas for enhancement and mitigate risks,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
Shon Young-chang, CTO and Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Product & Technology Strategy, added, “At Gastech 2024, we received recognition from ABS, the leading Classification Society, for our eco-friendly ship technologies, significantly boosting Hanwha Ocean’s decarbonization vision. We will do our utmost to ensure that shipowners can confidently choose Hanwha Ocean’s products.”
ABS continues to provide industry-leading guidance on the use of ammonia as a marine fuel. To further support the maritime industry’s transition to alternative fuels, ABS has published the “Ammonia Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory,” which is available for download on their website.
About ABS
ABS is a global leader in classification and technical services for the marine and offshore industries, offering cutting-edge solutions and insights to promote safety, reliability, and environmental responsibility.
About Hanwha Ocean
Hanwha Ocean is at the forefront of developing eco-friendly ship technologies and advancing decarbonization efforts within the maritime industry. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, Hanwha Ocean is committed to delivering safe and sustainable marine solutions to global shipowners.
Source American Bureau of Shipping