TUI Cruises has embarked on a collaborative venture with South Korean shipbuilders and the European classification society DNV to develop hydrogen-powered solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for cruise ships. The initiative involves HD Hyundai, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Europe R&D, HD Hydrogen, along with TUI and DNV, under a joint development agreement.
By February 2026, the partnership plans to establish safety and design standards for SOFC applications in maritime environments. HD Hyundai has committed to assessing the fuel cells' operational performance under varying conditions, and intends to create a system to reclaim and repurpose the heat generated by the high-temperature SOFC units. Meanwhile, TUI will furnish cruise-ship data, installation requirements, and operational specifications to guide the South Korean teams through adaptation for marine deployment.
SOFC technology offers significantly higher efficiency compared with conventional combustion engines and is expected to produce markedly fewer emissions and pollutants. Its fuel-flexible design allows for potential operation with different emissions-free fuels, offering a smoother pathway toward decarbonization.
Despite growing interest across the maritime sector, the market viability of SOFC remains mixed. Bosch recently announced it would discontinue its SOFC development in favor of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, reflecting a larger hesitation in the commercial uptake of SOFC systems.
Nevertheless, research in Asia—particularly South Korea and Japan—remains active, with regional stakeholders continuing to pursue the technology's potential.
This venture places TUI Cruises at the forefront of maritime innovation, as it seeks to chart a course toward cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems that align with emerging regulations and environmental imperatives in the cruise industry.