Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) announced on November 18 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with HMM and Panasia to conduct an offshore demonstration of its independently developed Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) waste heat recovery system.
The system, known as the Variable-Pressure ORC Waste Heat Recovery System, generates electricity by utilizing low- to mid-temperature waste heat (70–300°C) produced on ships. Unlike traditional steam-based systems—designed mainly for high-temperature waste heat (300–600°C) and therefore limited in efficiency—SHI’s ORC technology can effectively capture energy across a wider range of heat conditions.
Before moving to maritime trials, SHI completed land-based testing and obtained technology certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in May this year.
Under the agreement, the three companies will form a joint working group and install a 250 kW ORC waste heat recovery system on one of HMM’s operating 16,000 TEU container vessels. Full-scale offshore demonstration is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026. The test is expected to yield annual fuel savings of approximately 230 tons and reduce CO₂ emissions by 700 tons. The project will also involve verifying heat recovery efficiency, collecting real-world operational data at sea, and evaluating the system’s technical and economic viability.
Lee Ho-gi, Head of SHI’s Eco-Friendly Research Center, stated, “This demonstration will be an important milestone in advancing the commercial viability of waste heat recovery power generation technology. We will continue to enhance eco-friendly technologies that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”
