ABS delivers ammonia dispersion safety evaluation to Hanwha Ocean

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has completed a safety evaluation of ammonia dispersion on board an ammonia-fueled gas turbine LNG carrier design from the South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean.

Specifically, ABS, in collaboration with Hanwha Ocean, conducted computational fluid dynamics simulations that modelled different ammonia release scenarios due to accidental leakages from the engine room, the pipeline and the bunkering stations on deck.

The analyses found that the system complied with applicable ABS rules regarding the toxicity and risks of accumulated ammonia gas.

According to the classification society, the simulation results can also help Hanwha Ocean with improved ventilation arrangements, vent mast locations, gas release speeds and placement of air intakes for the manned spaces to further reduce risks in the detailed design stage.

To note, ABSG Consulting, a subsidiary of ABS, conducted a quantitative risk assessment, providing insight into potential threats and the likelihood of an incident.

Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of ABS, commented: “The toxicity of ammonia is a safety challenge and 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.”

Shon Young-chang, CTO and Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Product & Technology Strategy, stated: “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.”

As disclosed, at Gastech 2024, ABS and Hanwha Ocean signed a multi-year offshore technology collaboration agreement (OTCA) to accelerate sustainability, digitalization, and cybersecurity in offshore operations.

Philippe Levy, President of Offshore Business, Hanwha Ocean, said at the time: “This agreement will structure our ambition to propose safe, sustainable, and affordable energy for opportunities ahead, especially for strategic clients developing world-class reservoirs with low break-evens and low carbon intensity.”