Low-GHG Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) to Be Installed on LNG Carrier
- MOL, Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. Acquired AiP for 174K LNG Carrier with SOFC Application -

June 04, 2025

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd (SHI) have jointly acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Lloyd's Register for the design of a 174,000 LNG Carrier equipped with Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology. The 174,000 LNG carrier will be equipped with a 300kW SOFC, supplied by Bloom Energy, to be used as an auxiliary power generator and the ship will be delivered in 2027.

SOFC technology is a highly efficient, high-temperature process that converts fuels like natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, or ammonia directly into electricity and heat through an electro-chemical process – without burning them. This highly efficient energy conversion reduces the amount of fuel required to generate the same amount of electricity, resulting in lower GHG emissions. In addition, since SOFC generates electricity without combustion, emissions of harmful gases such as NOx and SOx, as well as methane slip, can be significantly reduced to negligible levels.
While the installation of SOFC on vessels is still rare, the risk assessment including Hazard Identification (HAZID) and Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) were conducted in collaboration with key project stakeholders, resulting in the acquisition of the AiP.

The AiP certification ceremony took place on 3 June 2025 at NOVA Spektrum in Lillestrøm, Norway, the venue of Norshipping 2025, an international maritime and ocean industries event.

Since mid-2022, in collaboration with MOL and SHI, discussions and development of the application of 300kW of SOFC to the 174,000 LNG Carrier as a Pilot Project have been ongoing. In June 2024, MOL and SHI reached an agreement on a mutual application. The system is expected to undergo joint equipment verification starting from early 2027. This partnership showcases our dedication to driving innovation and sustainability within the maritime industry. It positions us at the forefront of shaping the future of shipping as we strive towards achieving net zero emissions. Our unwavering commitment to exploring new avenues for cleaner and more efficient shipping solutions remains strong.

This initiative aligns with the MOL Group's Environmental Vision, which includes achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050. The company continues to pursue the transition toward a decarbonized and sustainable society.

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MOL Group 5 Sustainability Issues
MOL Group identifies "Sustainability Issues" (Materiality) as our key issues for sustainable growth with society through realization of the Group Vision.
We anticipate this initiative to contribute especially to the realization of "Environment -Conservation for Marine and global environment-" and "Innovation -Innovation for development in marine technology-."