ABS has evaluated the ship's electric system design, including power generation, distribution, and propulsion, based on its classification standards. The AiP marks the successful completion of the project's first phase.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD Hyundai) plans to move to the second phase in 2026. This phase involves implementing an energy storage system and high-efficiency drive train to accelerate the commercialization of zero-carbon emission vessel technology.

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) have received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ABS for their concept design of a 16,000 TEU container ship with an electric propulsion system. Photo: *Seatrade Maritime News*

This year, ABS and the Korean shipbuilders have announced several other AiPs, including a cargo handling system for a large ethane carrier and a design for a 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered container ship utilizing a small modular reactor (SMR).

This latest announcement was made at the GasTech exhibition in Milan, Italy.

"ABS, HD KSOE, and HHI are committed to leveraging our resources and expertise to advance electric propulsion technology in the maritime industry," said Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Maritime Business Development. "This is a significant step towards safely integrating electric propulsion into large-scale vessels.”

Byoung-Hun Kwon, CEO of HD KSOE, stated that this achievement is a strategic move towards the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2050 carbon neutrality goals. "We will continue to develop eco-friendly, high-performance ship technology to solidify trust with global shipping companies," he said.

Ngoc Minh (*Seatrade Maritime News*)