A container ship designed to carry 1,700 TEU could move regional cargo using battery power without producing direct carbon emissions during operation.

Hanwha Power announced on October 23 that the concept had received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The fully electric design combines a 151 MWh energy storage system with containerized batteries and port charging infrastructure. It targets short-sea and regional container transport, with battery units that can be handled and stowed like standard freight containers.

The AiP certificate was presented on October 22 at the Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference & Exhibition in Bergen, Norway. Jong-kyu Hwang, Hanwha Power’s Vice President of Technology Solutions, attended alongside senior ABS representatives.

Electrical energy stored in the containerized battery units serves as the vessel’s primary propulsion source. 

Charging infrastructure at ports would supply the electricity needed for operation, allowing the concept to avoid direct carbon emissions while sailing.

The 151 MWh system is central to the design, bringing large-scale battery storage into a containership intended for regional routes. 

The announcement describes a vessel concept that has received approval in principle; it does not announce the delivery or entry into service of a completed ship.

Hanwha Power said the approval strengthens its capabilities in fully electric vessel design and broadens its marine propulsion portfolio. The company plans to use the development to pursue opportunities in the next-generation zero-carbon maritime transport market.

The batteries’ containerized format allows them to be handled and stowed in the same manner as standard cargo containers.

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