Kim Dong-kwan, vice chairman of Hanwha Group, unveiled the group’s zero-carbon marine vision at the 2026 Davos Forum Annual Meeting, emphasizing the need to  build a clean energy marine ecosystem with electric propulsion ships.

Kim disclosed the vision in a contribution to the official website of the 56th Davos Forum Annual Meeting on Jan. 15, proposing the construction of an electric propulsion ship marine ecosystem that will change the paradigm of the global shipping industry.

In his contribution, Kim diagnosed that the shipping industry, which has depended on fossil fuels for over 200 years, has begun transitioning to an eco-friendly propulsion system, and argued that a revolutionary transformation of ship power systems is necessary to respond to this.

He explained, “A stable energy storage system (ESS) is essential for the full-scale expansion of electric ships,” and “accessible battery charging and replacement infrastructure is needed, and power supply systems based on clean energy must be established at ports.”

He added, “Shipping decarbonization cannot be achieved with a single technology or policy, so cooperation across the entire value chain encompassing shipyards, port officials, energy suppliers, and policymakers is important.”

Kim emphasized Hanwha Group’s eco-friendly ship technology capabilities and revealed that the group is actively participating in the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

He stated, “Hanwha Ocean is pursuing the development of zero-carbon ships using innovative technologies such as ammonia gas turbines,” and “we are establishing a foundation for ships and ports to evolve together with the entire ecosystem by applying advanced ESS and clean energy solutions to overall marine infrastructure.”

He said, “We are discussing pilot projects in cooperation with European port authorities to provide ESS utilizing clean energy and ship charging facilities,” and revealed plans to create new standards for global marine clean energy systems with Hanwha’s technology capabilities.

Kim repeatedly emphasized the importance of leading investment. He stated, “Companies and institutions that proactively apply new technologies and business models will play a key role in presenting market direction,” and “public-private cooperation is an essential element for the industrial changes necessary to reach net zero.”

Kim first participated in the WEF in 2010, was selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) in 2013, and has since participated in sessions including the Economic Engine Reignition session and Low Carbon Economy session. At the 2024 Davos Forum Annual Meeting, he presented the industry’s first zero-carbon propulsion gas carrier.

Source:Business Korea