Hanwha Power has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its design of a 1,700 TEU fully electric containership. The approval advances battery propulsion as a credible option for short-sea and regional container services, where cargo owners face growing pressure to cut emissions without giving up capacity or reliability.

An AiP is an early-stage review in which a classification society examines a new design concept and confirms its feasibility against applicable rules and standards. It is not final class approval, but it marks a key step from concept toward commercial development.

The certificate presentation took place on October 22, local time, at the MHE (Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells) Conference & Exhibition 2026 in Bergen, Norway. Jong-kyu Hwang, Vice President, Technology Solutions at Hanwha Power, attended the ceremony alongside senior representatives from ABS. The event runs from October 21 to 23 at the Scandic Hotel Bergen City and brings together industry stakeholders focused on low- and zero-emission marine propulsion.

The approved design centers on a large-scale 151 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS). Electrical energy stored in containerized battery units powers the vessel's primary propulsion. Because the batteries charge through port infrastructure, the ship can operate without direct carbon emissions.

The containerized format sets the design apart. Hanwha Power says the battery units can be handled and stowed like standard cargo containers, improving space efficiency, maximizing cargo capacity, and optimizing overall vessel performance. The same format supports flexible battery replacement and scalable operation, giving operators a practical way to match energy capacity to route and service needs.