Climeon’s HeatPower 300 low-temperature ORC waste heat recovery systems are now generating electricity onboard methanol-fueled container vessels in commercial operation at sea. Installed on advanced newbuild vessels at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea, several systems have successfully progressed through sea trials and into operation, demonstrating how Climeon’s latest HeatPower product generation is proving itself in practice. By recovering low-temperature marine engine waste heat and converting it into onboard electrical power, the systems contribute to lower fuel consumption, reduced CO₂ emissions, and improved vessel energy efficiency.
From Order to Operation
Climeon’s HeatPower 300 units were ordered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2023 for integration on six 17,200 TEU capacity, methanol-fueled container vessels ordered by A.P. Moller – Maersk. Delivery, installation, and commissioning have since progressed in line with vessel construction as planned. To date, four vessels have successfully completed sea trials, with a fifth currently underway. Three of the vessels are now in commercial operation, with Climeon units on board producing electricity and contributing to lower fuel consumption.
For these first HeatPower 300 newbuild installations, Climeon worked alongside the shipyard and local support during commissioning to verify that the performance standards of the new product generation were achieved. This process demonstrated that the HeatPower 300 delivers on its design purpose — a system designed for straightforward integration into newbuild projects, with commissioning easily handled by local service partners, or shipyard crew.
Climeon HeatPower 300 unit installed on board, designed to generate clean electricity from waste heat and support lower fuel consumption at sea.
Climeon service engineers on board during HeatPower 300 commissioning, verifying system performance as part of sea trials in Korea.
Climeon and local service partner outside HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea, preparing for HeatPower 300 commissioning on Maersk’s new container vessels.
HeatPower 300 units tested and ready for shipment from Climeon’s headquarters in Kista, Sweden, ahead of installation at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea.
A System Built on Experience
The HeatPower 300 represents the latest step in Climeon’s development of waste heat recovery systems for shipping. Building on earlier installations at sea, the platform was designed as a fully integrated, skid-based unit engineered for the demanding conditions of marine environments. Its robust and compact design reduces installation complexity for shipyards while making onboard operation and maintenance straightforward for vessel crews.
Optimized for the low-temperature waste heat profile of modern marine engines, each HeatPower 300 unit is configured to produce up to 300 kW of electricity under optimal conditions. Actual output depends on the vessel’s operating profile, including factors such as engine load and seawater temperature. Designed for efficient power generation from low-temperature (70–100°C) engine waste heat, the ORC system can maintain strong performance across varying operating conditions — supporting greater onboard power generation, fuel savings, and emissions reductions over real operating profiles. For a deeper look at how operational profiles influence power production at sea, see Climeon’s white paper.
Demonstrating Value at Sea — for the Maritime Industry and Climeon
The progress achieved in this project underscores the practical role of low-temperature ORC waste heat recovery systems in shipping today. Its smooth integration into newbuilds demonstrates to shipyards that the technology can enhance the competitiveness of their offering for modern, sustainable vessel construction — without adding complexity.
By converting energy from low-grade marine engine heat into electricity, the HeatPower 300 reduces fuel consumption, helping shipowners cut costs and emissions while strengthening competitiveness in an era of higher-cost fuels and regulations. Demonstrating these benefits on board one of the industry’s most advanced sustainable vessel projects provides a valuable reference point for shipowners and further confirms the reliability and scalability of Climeon’s latest product generation in advancing energy efficiency at sea.
Why Low-Temperature Heat Recovery Matters at Sea
A large share of the waste heat generated onboard modern vessels exists as low-temperature heat, particularly from engine cooling systems and jacket-water circuits. Recovering this low-grade heat efficiently requires ORC technology specifically optimized for lower operating temperatures and varying engine loads. Systems designed for high efficiency at low temperatures can generate more net electrical power across real operating conditions, improving fuel savings and overall vessel efficiency.
Looking Ahead
With four vessels already in operation — including one retrofit installation — and more progressing through trials and commissioning, the technology is showing its ability to deliver on design goals in practice. The final vessel in the new-build project is scheduled to complete sea trials in November, marking the conclusion of the six-vessel rollout and the full delivery of all systems into operation. Together, these installations highlight how marine ORC waste heat recovery can be applied reliably across both newbuild and retrofit projects, supporting the maritime industry’s shift toward more efficient and sustainable operations.
Interested in how Climeon’s HeatPower 300 could support your next project?
Get in touch with our team to discuss waste heat recovery solutions for your vessels.
