# Hanwha Power secures ABS approval for battery-powered containership design

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/hanwha-power-abs-battery-electric-containership-design/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-10-24T12:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-23T07:14:44+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Container
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** ABS, Battery Propulsion, Electric Containerships, Energy Storage, Hanwha Power, Maritime Decarbonisation

Hanwha Power has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design of a fully electric, battery-powered containership with a capacity of 1,700 TEU.

The approval covers a vessel concept incorporating a 151 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS), designed to provide the electrical energy required for propulsion through containerized battery units.

The certificate was presented on October 22 during the Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Bergen, Norway, attended by Hanwha Power Vice President of Technology Solutions Jong-kyu Hwang and representatives from ABS.

The development represents a further step in Hanwha Power’s work on electric propulsion systems for commercial vessels, particularly those operating on short-sea and regional shipping routes.

## Containerized batteries at the centre of the design

The proposed containership uses electrical energy stored in containerized battery modules as its primary propulsion source.

According to Hanwha Power, the configuration is intended to enable vessel operation without direct carbon emissions, supported by charging infrastructure at ports.

The battery units are designed to be handled and stowed in a manner similar to conventional cargo containers, allowing greater flexibility in their placement and replacement.

Hanwha Power says the approach is intended to improve space utilisation, preserve cargo capacity and support scalable operations.

The modular arrangement could also allow battery capacity to be adapted to different operational requirements, depending on vessel deployment and available charging infrastructure.

The company is positioning the design as a potential solution for the decarbonisation of regional container shipping, where vessel operating patterns and port charging arrangements may support battery-electric propulsion.

## Expanding the electric vessel portfolio

Alongside the newly approved 1,700 TEU concept, Hanwha Power has completed the basic design of a separate 1,000 TEU battery-powered containership.

The company intends to use these developments to expand its portfolio of electric-propulsion vessel designs across different operating requirements.

Jong-kyu Hwang, Vice President, Technology Solutions at Hanwha Power, said the approval marked an important step in extending the company’s capabilities in fully electric marine propulsion.

“This AiP from ABS marks an important step in extending Hanwha Power’s marine technology capabilities to fully electric vessels powered by large-scale battery systems,” said Hwang.

He added that the company would pursue integrated solutions combining electric propulsion and containerized battery technologies.

The ABS approval provides an initial assessment of the design concept but does not represent approval of a completed vessel or confirmation of a construction programme.

Hanwha Power has not announced a shipbuilding contract, vessel operator or delivery schedule associated with the approved design.

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Cite as: "Hanwha Power secures ABS approval for battery-powered containership design", pelavox., 24 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/hanwha-power-abs-battery-electric-containership-design/