Retrofitting HeatPower 300: A Practical Approach to Maritime Efficiency
An Interview with Climeon’s Project Manager on the Process and Impact of ORC Retrofit Installations
As the maritime sector works to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, retrofit solutions are becoming an increasingly important tool for modern fleets. We spoke with Ludvig Elster, Delivery Project Manager, who managed Climeon’s most recent HeatPower 300 retrofit onboard a container vessel, to better understand how the installation was carried out and what impact it’s expected to have.
Q: What were the first steps in preparing the HeatPower 300 system for installation on this vessel?
Ludvig Elster, Project Manager at Climeon: Following manufacturing of the unit, we began with factory acceptance testing and performance verification at our facility in Stockholm. These tests are carried out under class supervision to ensure everything meets marine standards before delivery. Once approved, we disassembled the system into predefined modules. These modules are sized specifically for maritime retrofits—they’re packaged on EU pallets or custom frames to simplify transport and allow safe handling during loading and onboard installation.
Q: How was the unit adapted for transport and installation within the existing structure of the ship?
Ludvig: HeatPower 300 is modular by design, and the dimensions of each module are carefully planned to avoid structural modifications. In this retrofit, the narrowest access point into the engine room was just 2.05 x 1.45 meters. That’s tight, but it was exactly what the system was designed to accommodate. The packages were moved through the existing openings and into position without the need to alter the ship’s structure, which helped keep the installation efficient and non-invasive.
Q: How was the actual loading and installation of the system coordinated with the vessel’s schedule?
Ludvig: We aligned the loading with a scheduled port call to avoid any disruption to the vessel’s operation. The units were lifted onboard while normal cargo operations were underway. Careful planning allowed the installation to proceed in parallel with port operations, avoiding any disruption. From a scheduling perspective, it had no impact on the vessel’s turnaround time.
Q: What kind of preparation was required from the shipowner before installation?
Ludvig: The vessel owner was responsible for preparing the ship to receive the system. That included installing the necessary piping for hot and cold water, electrical interfaces, and integration points with the ship’s automation and control systems. This work was carried out during a regularly scheduled drydocking, which provided a practical opportunity to complete the modifications without affecting operations. By handling these preparations in advance, the actual physical installation and system integration could proceed efficiently.
Q: Can you describe the commissioning process once the system was onboard?
Ludvig: Once the modules were onboard and in place, we reassembled the unit and connected it to the pre-installed interfaces. The next step was commissioning, which has to be done while the vessel is operating—specifically, while the engines are running under normal load. That’s because the system requires real heat input and cooling water to function. During commissioning, we filled the system with working fluid and oil, conducted signal checks, and then brought the unit online to begin generating power.
Q: What can the shipowner expect in terms of operational impact?
Ludvig: From a technical perspective, the system operates automatically and integrates seamlessly with the ship’s control systems. Once running, it requires very little operator input. The main impact is that it reduces the electrical load on auxiliary generators by recovering waste heat from the engine cooling system. That means lower fuel consumption, less generator runtime, and fewer emissions—all without adding complexity to daily operations.
Q: For shipowners considering a retrofit, what would you say are the broader takeaways from this project?
Ludvig: This project showed that it’s entirely feasible to integrate a system like the HeatPower 300 during a vessel’s regular maintenance schedule, without needing structural changes or impacting operations. From planning through to commissioning, the process can be straightforward when both sides are aligned. With energy costs and emissions-related expenses expected to keep rising, I think we’ll see more shipowners looking seriously at waste heat recovery—not just as a technical upgrade, but as a business decision.
From Project to Opportunity
This successful retrofit is just one example of how ORC technology can deliver measurable results. As carbon pricing and efficiency regulations increase, the case for energy recovery becomes even stronger.
To illustrate the broader financial potential, the following is a modeled example based on a typical large container vessel. While not tied to the specific retrofit discussed above, it highlights the kind of long-term impact HeatPower 300 could have across a fleet.
Model Scenario:
Estimated Impact of a Climeon Retrofit
To illustrate the potential benefits of ORC waste heat recovery, consider a modeled case based on a large container vessel with the following characteristics:
- Main engine capacity: 54 MW
- Average engine load: 46%
- Time operating in EU waters: 50%
- Fuel type: Very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO)
Under these conditions, installing a single HeatPower 300 unit today is estimated to result in:
Fuel Savings
0
~ tons per yearCO₂ reduction
0
~ tons per yearEstimated EU ETS cost savings (2025)
€0
annually (at €70/ton CO₂)Planning Ahead
With carbon pricing and regulatory incentives increasing, the financial return on waste heat recovery is expected to improve further over time. For this model case, the estimated GHG abatement cost is just €20 per ton of CO₂—substantially lower than projected ETS rates.
Ready to Explore a Retrofit for Your Vessel?
Climeon’s team works with shipowners and technical managers to evaluate retrofit potential based on your vessel’s operating profile, heat availability, and upgrade timeline. Whether you’re planning a drydocking or exploring fuel efficiency improvements, we’re ready to support your next step.
Contact us to schedule a feasibility assessment or learn more about integrating HeatPower on board.
