Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Trials Begin on LNG Carrier
The 300-kW unit aims to boost auxiliary power efficiency as the shipping industry moves toward a net-zero future by 2050.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Energy
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Mitsui OSK Lines is trialing a 300-kW Bloom Energy solid-oxide fuel cell installed on a 174,000-m3 LNG carrier. The research-stage auxiliary power system is currently being evaluated for its efficiency and emission reduction potential ahead of the vessel's 2027 delivery.
Why it matters
The project tests the viability of electrochemical power generation within maritime environments, aiming to improve auxiliary power efficiency compared to traditional combustion engines. This pilot serves as a critical step toward the company's 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emission goal.
The containerized solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) unit weighs 59 tonnes and provides 300-kW of auxiliary power with an electrical efficiency of 50% to 60%. The system requires full replacement every four to five years, a standard duration for industrial-grade fuel cell assets.
The players
Mitsui OSK Lines
A major Japanese maritime transportation company operating a diverse fleet of tankers, dry bulkers, and car carriers while expanding into decarbonization technologies.
Bloom Energy
A manufacturer of solid-oxide fuel cell power generation platforms used for clean, reliable, and on-site electricity.
Samsung Heavy Industries
A prominent South Korean shipbuilder and global leader in the construction of large-scale liquefied natural gas carriers.
Lloyd's Register
A maritime classification society that provides technical services and safety standards for the global shipping industry.
The details
The fuel cell generates electricity and heat through an electrochemical process that directly processes fuel rather than burning it. The 59-tonne unit integrates comprehensive safety measures, including specialized gas detection, firefighting, and ventilation systems. The design has undergone rigorous risk assessments, including Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, to ensure safe operation onboard the carrier.
Timeline
Lloyd's Register issued design approval in 2025.
Gas trials are scheduled to start in October 2026.
The LNG carrier is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The company aims to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
The Tech Race
This project benchmarks the feasibility of integrating stationary fuel cell technology into the high-vibration and space-constrained environment of large-scale LNG tankers. It sits alongside broader industry efforts to replace conventional fossil-fuel auxiliary generators with high-efficiency electrochemical alternatives.
This pilot will not affect shipping costs or vessel operations for the public in the near term as it remains in the testing phase. Commercial implementation depends on the outcome of the October 2026 gas trials and subsequent performance data collected after the 2027 delivery.
The takeaway
This trial marks a technical pivot toward integrating fuel cells as primary auxiliary power sources in the commercial shipping industry. Watch for performance results following the October 2026 gas trials to see if the 85% combined heat and power efficiency holds under maritime operational conditions.
Further reading
For broader trends in maritime power systems, see our latest analysis on the Energy sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Riviera.
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