Lukas Kistner

Since 2018, Lukas has been working as a researcher with an electrical engineering background with a focus on ship power system configurations and techno-economic analyses. In 2023, he achieved his Dr.-Ing. at Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany. His investigations cover the topics of hybrid power system design optimization, control strategies, economic and environmental assessments, different fuel cell technologies and synthetic fuels. Since 2024, Lukas has worked as a senior researcher and research project manager for the HD Hyundai Europe R&D Center, a venture founded in April 2023 to enhance the HD Hyundai/HD KSOE research network.

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Presentation

The role of SOFC-hybrid powertrains in cutting opex and environmental levies for cruise ships

With the commencement of FuelEU Maritime in 2025, shipowners face the challenge of meeting GHG intensity thresholds or paying penalties. While biofuels offer lower intensities than diesel and also reduce EU-ETS levies, effective measures significantly increase fuel costs. LNG-fueled solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) provide higher efficiency, lower emissions and no methane slip, extending FuelEU compliance timelines and reducing biofuel reliance. This is especially relevant for cruise ships, which operate less efficient four-stroke combustion engines. This study quantifies the advantages of SOFC-hybrid configurations in reducing biofuel requirements, operational costs and environmental levies under EU regulations.