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Posted on 2025, Jun 17th by Berkin Karademir

Low-GHG Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) to Be Installed on LNG Carrier

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register for a 174,000m³ LNG carrier design equipped with a 300kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), supplied by Bloom Energy. The vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027, will use SOFC as an auxiliary power generator.

DLow-GHG Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) to Be Installed on LNG Carrier MOL Turkey Photo of AiP ceremony taken at Norshipping

SOFC technology converts fuels like natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, or ammonia into electricity without combustion, significantly reducing GHG emissions, NOx, SOx, and methane slip. Though still rare in marine use, risk assessments (HAZID and HAZOP) were conducted to support the AiP.

DLow-GHG Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) to Be Installed on LNG Carrier MOL Turkey Image of Containerized SOFC module (Source: SHI)

The AiP was awarded on 3 June 2025 at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Norway. Development of this pilot project began in mid-2022, with an agreement reached in June 2024. Equipment verification will begin in early 2027.

This project supports MOL’s goal of net zero GHG emissions by 2050 and demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable and innovative shipping solutions.