The maritime industry is on the cusp of a significant shift, and the LNGameChanger project is at the forefront of this transformation. This ambitious initiative aims to design an innovative, decarbonised maritime power train that combines solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with high-efficiency onboard CO2 liquefaction and storage. The goal? To achieve a CO2-equivalent intensity that meets the emissions limits set for 2045 and 2050. It’s a tall order, but if successful, it could revolutionise the way we think about maritime propulsion.
The project’s primary objectives are clear: confirm the energy efficiency and emissions targets for the SOFC power train with CO2 capture, establish a user case with a vessel design, and evaluate the overall space and weight requirements for marine applications. Havila Voyages, with its fleet of four coastal cruise ships, is a prime candidate for this user case. These ships already use LNG as fuel in combination with battery power, making them an ideal testbed for the new technology.
Bent Martini, the chief executive of Havila Voyages, is bullish about the project. “We have clear ambitions to move towards carbon neutrality and eventually zero emissions, and that can be done with our current fleet,” he said. “This project is of great interest for us as our main power source today is LNG. We are eagerly awaiting the results and possibilities that lie ahead.” Martini’s enthusiasm is shared by Anders Torp Rød, managing director of Molgas Norway. “This technology could provide a clear pathway for a large-scale, low-emissions solution that leverages a well-known and robust supply chain of energy to hard-to-abate sectors,” he said.
The potential market for this technology is vast. International shipping carries around 80% of traded goods and accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While LNG only accounts for about 4% of the fuel supply, the number of LNG-powered ships is predicted to increase substantially. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights platform, the number of LNG-fuelled ships in operation doubled between 2021 and 2024, with a record number of deliveries in 2024. By the end of 2024, 641 LNG-powered ships were in operation, and this number is expected to double by the end of the decade.
The LNGameChanger project is not just about the technology on board the ships. It also addresses the infrastructure needs related to decentralised CO2 collection and transport in port. This includes the potential for combining this logistically with LNG distribution. It’s a holistic approach that considers the entire supply chain, not just the ships themselves.
The Norwegian Research Council has awarded LNGameChanger a grant of approximately Nkr5M (US$486,000) over the project’s two-year duration, providing the groundwork for research activities by SINTEF. The project partners – HAV Group, Havila Voyages, and Molgas Norway – will be actively involved in the project execution. For HAV Group, this includes involving technical experts for ship and systems integration, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment, as well as overall project management.
So, what does this all mean for the future of the maritime industry? Well, if the LNGameChanger project succeeds, it could pave the way for a new generation of decarbonised ships. It could also spur further innovation in the field of maritime propulsion, as other companies look to replicate or even improve upon the technology. Moreover, it could provide a blueprint for how to integrate decarbonisation efforts into the entire maritime supply chain, from the ships themselves to the infrastructure in port.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The project is still in its early stages, and there are many challenges ahead. However, the potential is undeniable. As Mr. Larsen said at the press conference, “It will be a truly groundbreaking solution.” And if it is, it could change the maritime industry as we know it. So, buckle up, folks. The future of maritime propulsion is looking a lot greener, and it’s coming at us fast.
