Samsung Heavy Industries Targets Marine and Data Center Markets with Next-Generation SOFC Technology

Samsung Heavy Industries is teaming up with Japan’s Morimura SOFC Technology to create advanced solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for ships and data centers. This alliance, signed on November 9 at Samsung’s Pangyo R&D Center, aims to develop and sell large-capacity SOFC systems by 2028. Samsung Heavy Industries will focus on system engineering, integration, and commercialization, while Morimura will provide the core fuel cell components.

SOFC technology is a clean power solution that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between fuel and oxygen, using a solid ceramic electrolyte. This process offers higher efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional combustion-based power generation. SOFC systems can run on hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG), or other hydrocarbons, providing flexibility for marine applications where alternative fuel infrastructure is limited.

For Samsung, this partnership aligns with the maritime industry's push for emissions reduction and next-generation vessel technologies. As stricter environmental regulations take effect, shipbuilders are seeking cleaner power generation and propulsion options. The collaboration could also expand into autonomous and unmanned vessels, allowing for remote monitoring and maintenance systems.

Beyond shipbuilding, Samsung sees potential in the emerging floating data center market. As AI grows, reliable electricity becomes crucial, making SOFC technology an attractive component for offshore data centers. Integrating fuel cells into floating data center platforms could provide a consistent power source and create synergies between marine engineering, offshore infrastructure, and distributed power generation.

While the partnership is promising, commercial success depends on addressing technical challenges. Thermal management, durability, and long-term reliability are crucial for SOFC systems in marine environments. Demonstrating competitive lifecycle costs and meaningful emissions reductions in actual operating conditions is also essential. System integration will be vital, especially for applications requiring continuous and stable power supply.

Kyung-hee Kim, executive vice president and head of the Future Business Division at Samsung Heavy Industries, and Yoshikuni Sato, president and CEO of Morimura SOFC Technology, are optimistic about the collaboration's potential to create new value in the energy sector through close cooperation. As they work toward their 2028 development goal, the main challenge will be turning SOFC technology into commercially viable systems capable of meeting the demanding requirements of ships and offshore data centers.