Mitsui OSK Lines Trials Fuel Cell on LNG Carrier
The shipping firm is testing a 300-kW solid-oxide fuel cell to generate auxiliary power on a new LNG vessel.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Energy
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Mitsui OSK Lines is piloting a 300-kW solid-oxide fuel cell on a 174,000-m3 LNG carrier currently under construction in South Korea. The technology is designed to function as an auxiliary power generator, leveraging an electrochemical process to improve vessel efficiency.
Why it matters
This pilot program evaluates the potential for fuel cells to reduce maritime emissions and improve operational efficiency. It further assesses the viability of integrating fuel cell technology with existing natural gas infrastructure to meet sustainability targets.
The containerized fuel cell unit weighs 59 tonnes and operates with an electrical efficiency between 50% and 60%. The system requires full replacement every four to five years to maintain operational safety and output.
The players
Mitsui OSK Lines
A major Japanese transport company that manages a diverse fleet of vessels including tankers and car carriers.
Bloom Energy
An American company known for manufacturing solid-oxide fuel cell power generation systems.
Lloyd's Register
A global professional services company specializing in engineering and technology for the maritime industry.
Samsung Heavy Industries
One of the world's largest shipbuilding companies based in South Korea.
The details
The installation at Samsung Heavy Industries incorporates comprehensive safety protocols, including gas detection, firefighting, and ventilation systems. The design underwent rigorous risk assessments, such as Hazard Identification and Hazard and Operability Studies, before receiving approval in principle.
Timeline
2025: Lloyd's Register issued approval in principle for the fuel cell design.
October 2026: Gas trials are scheduled to begin on the vessel.
2027: The LNG carrier is scheduled for final delivery.
2050: Mitsui OSK Lines aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The Big Picture
The integration of solid-oxide fuel cells follows the trajectory set by the International Maritime Organization's 2050 net-zero emissions strategy for the global shipping sector. This shift marks a departure from traditional internal combustion auxiliary power toward electrochemical generation.
Success in this maritime fuel cell trial could eventually lead to more efficient and cleaner power solutions for large-scale logistics and global cargo transport. These developments suggest a future where commercial vessels have a reduced carbon footprint, potentially lowering shipping costs over time.
The takeaway
Advancing fuel cell technology in the shipping industry demonstrates a path toward replacing traditional heavy-fuel auxiliary generators with cleaner electrochemical alternatives. Operators should monitor the 2026 gas trials to understand how these systems perform under real-world maritime conditions.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Energy as the industry works toward lower emission standards.
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Do you trust that new fuel cell technologies will effectively reduce global maritime carbon emissions?
