Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technology Gains Maritime Traction with MOL and SHI’s New LNG Carrier Project

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) are teaming up to bring something pretty exciting to the high seas. The two companies have just received Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register for a next-gen liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier that’s not your typical ship. This 174,000 cbm vessel will be powered by a 300kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system developed by Bloom Energy.

Taking Clean Energy Tech to the Ocean

This announcement made waves during Norshipping 2025 in Norway — and for good reason. The vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027, represents a big step forward for fuel cell technology in shipping. By leaning on SOFCs, the ship aims to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as harmful NOx, SOx, and even methane slip — a major win for the environment and a clear move toward serious maritime decarbonization.

Part of a Bigger Plan

This isn’t just a one-off innovation. The project is a key piece of MOL’s larger strategy to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. Development for this tech kicked off back in 2022, and now with a delivery date in sight, the partners have lined up joint equipment testing in 2027 to make sure everything’s shipshape.

Why SOFCs Matter

Unlike conventional ship engines, solid oxide fuel cells offer a cleaner, more efficient way to generate auxiliary power. And while they haven’t been widely used at sea yet, this project could help change that. For shipping companies looking to slash their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance, this kind of hydrogen fuel cell technology might just be the ticket.

Bottom line? We’re looking at a real breakthrough that blends cutting-edge energy tech with the everyday demands of commercial shipping — and that’s exactly what the future of sustainable maritime transport needs.