Environmental Management
Environmental Management
Conservation Efforts
Hanwha Ocean recognizes the importance of protecting and restoring biodiversity, and regards it as a major risk in corporate management and business execution. Biodiversity is an essential element in maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems through complex interactions between living organisms on the planet.
In recognition of this, we work to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of our business on the biodiversity of the surrounding areas. We conduct an environmental assessment from the early stage of business, and scrutinize and analyze potential impacts that our business may pose on biodiversity. For environmental risks identified through these investigations, we develop and implement diverse preventive actions. For instance, research activities such as the development of underwater noise reduction technologies during ship operations directly contribute to the protection of marine habitats, which serves greatly for biodiversity protection.
Such an approach goes beyond merely complying with environmental regulations. Rather, it is a testament to the willingness of Hanwha Ocean to act responsibly for a sustainable future by making environmental protection a corporate mission. It also reflects our commitment to passing on to future generations a planet full of healthy and diverse living organisms.
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#1Preventing waste leakage to the ocean
Hanwha Ocean, in recognition of the significant impact of the shipbuilding industry’s awareness of biodiversity on the marine ecosystem, strives to create a sustainable marine ecosystem. In order to prevent the release of pollutants from ships, we provide preventive measures preemptively at each stage of the shipbuilding process, such as management of anti-pollution items and facility maintenance and inspection of operating conditions. We support the installation of oil fences to prevent oil spills that may occur in ship commissioning, and collect floating debris once a day. Also, we take responsibility for the community and conduct drills regularly in preparation for onshore waste disposal caused by typhoons and other natural disasters and marine pollution instances to protect the ecosystem around our business sites.
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#2Underwater radiated noise reduction technology
Hanwha Ocean is committed to technology development with the aim of reducing underwater noise radiated from ships. Just as people feel stressed by inter-floor noise these days, underwater radiated noise (URN) is considered a major cause of disturbance in the marine ecosystem. To address this issue, we applied Air Lubrication System (ALS) to successfully reduce noise by 5 dB overall, although the amount of noise reduced varies depending on the frequency band. Also, we analyze the main causes of URN and conduct additional R&D activities based on the analysis. We believe that these efforts will contribute to minimizing the impact on the marine ecosystem during ship operations.
Hanwha Ocean continues to carry out R&D activities to tackle the issue of underwater noise pollution. Recently, we completed the performance verification of the Masker-Air System in the cutting-edge acoustic tank and cavitation tunnel at our Siheung R&D Campus. The Masker-Air System is an innovative technology that reduces underwater noise and is expected to have a significant effect of reducing noise when applied to naval and specialty ships. Also, the world’s largest towing tank and cavitation tunnel allow us to test and develop various underwater noise reduction technologies. In 2023, in a first for Korea, the Norwegian classification body DNV certified Hanwha Ocean for our ability to measure underwater noise. This certification proves our technology and reliability are internationally recognized, demonstrating the company’s commitment to continual improvement and sustainable business performance.
reduction technology
- How can airmake ships quieter?
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- AIR INJECTION
- Forms an air curtain around the ship's hull to block noise
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- AIR LUBRICATION
- Covers the ship's hull with air bubbles to reduce friction and noise
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Ballast Water
Hanwha Ocean is committed to preventing the disruption of marine ecosystems caused by ballast water discharged by ships. Ballast water is taken in one area and discharged in another, and the species it carries with it move from their existing habitats to new ones. Such movement of species disturbs the balance in the ecosystem, with the possibility of threatening the original ecosystem as foreign species thrive in new habitats.
Highly aware of this issue, we intend to use the ballast water treatment technology to prevent the displacement of species during ballast water intake and release. This technology can protect marine ecosystems and improve the safety of ship operations concurrently.
Such an effort demonstrates the company’s strategic direction with the goal of protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining sustainable ship operations. Ultimately, this technology plays a crucial role in protecting marine diversity through our environmental responsibility and commitment to sustainable ship operations.