South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai on Thursday (19 June) said that its affiliates—HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Europe Research & Development Center, and HD Hydrogen— recently signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with classification society DNV, and German cruise operator TUI Cruises.

The project aims to explore the application of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) systems on cruise vessels.

SOFC is a high-efficiency fuel cell that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen—extracted from sources such as natural gas or ammonia—with oxygen. Since it produces electricity without combustion, it significantly reduces carbon and pollutant emissions. 

Compared to conventional engine-based power generation systems, SOFC offers superior efficiency, achieving both environmental sustainability and economic viability. It produces a low level of noise and vibration while providing high power generation efficiency, making it especially suitable for cruise ships that require large amounts of electricity.

HD Hyundai plans to secure global competitiveness by developing SOFC technology applicable to cruise ships, with a focus on the European market—where environmental regulations are stringent and demand for such vessels is high.

The market outlook is also promising. According to global market research firm Grand View Research, the global SOFC market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.7% through 2030, reaching approximately USD 7.12 billion (KRW 9.81 trillion), driven by increasing demand and investment in clean energy.

As a first step, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and the HD Europe Research & Development Center will establish safety design standards for applying SOFC systems to cruise ships over an eight-month period from June this year to February next year. 

HD Hydrogen, an affiliate of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering specialising in hydrogen fuel cell technology, will analyse the performance of its proprietary SOFC systems under various operating conditions based on its core technical data.

In addition, HD Hyundai will develop technologies to recover and reuse waste heat generated by SOFC systems, which operate at high temperatures ranging from 600°C to 1,000°C. The company also plans to explore solutions to partially reduce carbon emissions from SOFC systems by leveraging carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

As part of the project, DNV will support regulatory compliance and contribute to overall safety from the initial design onward. TUI Cruises will provide cruise ship specific data relevant to SOFC application, along with installation requirements and operational specifications necessary for actual deployment.

A representative from HD Hyundai stated, “This international joint development project marks a significant milestone in demonstrating HD Hyundai’s world-class decarbonization technology for ships in the European market. We hope to lead the maritime decarbonization initiative through our low-carbon, high-efficiency fuel cell technology.”

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai established HD Hydrogen last year as part of its effort to enter the hydrogen fuel cell market. The company is currently collaborating with various global shipping companies to expand the application of SOFC systems across multiple types of vessels.

Photo credit: HD Hyundai
Published: 23 June, 2025

Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) and marine engineering solutions provider DongHwa Entec (DHE) on Monday (10 March) announced their collaboration on the development and installation of a High-Pressure (HP) Compressor for an 18,000 TEU LNG-fuelled container ship under construction at China’s NTS Shipyard. 

The companies said the initiative marks a significant advancement in LNG fuel gas supply systems, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.

This collaboration optimizes the utilisation of Boil-Off Gas (BOG) to enhance fuel efficiency and, in return, significantly reduce environmental impact. With the HP Compressor integrated, the vessel will be able to channel BOG directly into the main engine, minimising emissions and maximising fuel efficiency, a major leap forward in decarbonizing shipping operations.

As a manufacturing-based engineering specialist with expertise in gas fuel supply systems, cargo handling system (CHS) and other gaseous process advanced system solutions, DHE is strengthening its leadership in sustainable marine engineering solutions. 

Its affiliate, DongHwa Pneutec, a recognised leader in compressor manufacturing, traditionally specialised in Low-Pressure (LP) Compressors, will expand its product range to include HP Compressors with this project, broadening its expertise and market reach in advanced LNG technologies.

“This collaboration underscores EPS and DHE’s shared vision for a greener maritime industry, driving innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. By advancing LNG fuel technologies, both companies will stay committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable shipping,” it said.

Photo credit: Eastern Pacific Shipping
Published: 12 March, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Saturday (28 December) issued Shipping Circular No. 18 of 2024 informing shipowners, ship managers, operators, agents and masters of Singapore-registered ships of resolutions adopted at 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82).

MEPC 82 was held from 30 September 2024 to 04 October 2024; MPA urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions:

Resolution MEPC.392(82) – Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI (Designation of the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and
Particulate Matter, as appropriate).

This resolution adopts amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocols of 1978 and 1997 relating thereto (MARPOL), Annex VI, to designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECA)
for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter. The amendments will enter into force on 01 March 2026 and will be given effect through amendments to the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air Pollution) Regulations 2022.

The Canadian Arctic ECA will be applicable to ships constructed on or after 01 January 2025, while the Norwegian Sea ECA will be applicable to ships constructed on or after 01 March 2026, including a “three dates criteria” of date of building contract; keel laying date; and delivery date, to be reflected
as amendments to the Supplement to International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP Certificate).

Resolution MEPC.393(82) – Guidance On Best Practice On Recommendatory Goal-Based Control Measures To Reduce The Impact On The Arctic Of Black Carbon Emissions From International
Shipping

This resolution adopts Guidance on best practice on recommendatory goal-based control measures to reduce the impact on the Arctic of Black Carbon emissions from international shipping. It is intended to assist ship operators/companies in their efforts to reduce Black Carbon emissions from
their ships operating in or near the Arctic in measurable and concrete ways.

Resolution MEPC.394(82) – Guidelines On Recommendatory Black Carbon Emission Measurement, Monitoring And Reporting

This resolution adopts Guidelines on recommendatory Black Carbon emission measurement, monitoring and reporting. It specifies recommendations for the measurement, monitoring and reporting of Black Carbon emissions data from marine diesel engines or exhaust gas treatment
systems, in combination or individually, to enhance development of recommendations and regulations to reduce the impact on the Arctic of Black Carbon emissions.

Resolution MEPC.395(82) – 2024 Guidelines For The Development Of A Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

This resolution adopts the 2024 Guidelines for the development of a SEEMP to have a more consistent methodology for fuel oil reporting, taking into account the data collected in the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS) thus far. This resolution revokes Resolution MEPC.346(78).

Resolution MEPC.396(82) – Designation Of The Nusa Penida Islands And Gili Matra Islands In Lombok Strait As A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA)

This resolution designates the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in Lombok Strait as a PSSA, with the Associated Protective Measures (APMs) being the previously established Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) which entered into force on 01 July 2019.

Editor’s note: The full Shipping Circular No. 18 of 2024 document may be obtained from MPA’s official website here.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 30 December 2024