HD Hyundai Marine Solution, partnering with Accelleron, has signed a contract to provide Engine Part Load Optimization (EPLO) services for four Ro-Ro ships belonging to Greek shipping line Neptune Lines Shipping and Managing Enterprises. 

The South Korean company (not a direct part of the wider Hyundai family) launched the service with Accelleron in 2023 to address the gap between existing fuel efficiency levels and those required by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules on engine efficiency (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity (CII) regulations. 

Both measures are in place to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from global commercial shipping, which is made difficult by the ageing combustion engines used across the active fleet. 

According to Accelleron, many shipping operators are contemplating running engines at 705 capacity, to control emissions. But this comes with its own expenses and could increase lead times significantly. 

It said EPLO is an “eco-friendly solution that increases combustion efficiency” by adjusting internal systems. It first matches turbochargers to IMO load requirements, before adjusting fuel injection and fuel-air mix ratios to their ideal levels. 

"With EPLO, Accelleron is assisting the maritime industry to not only boost the competitiveness of their vessels but also to achieve profitable navigation towards their mid-term decarbonization goals,” said Matthias Reichmann, global product manager of upgrades at Accelleron.

An official from HD Hyundai Marine Solution said: "We will contribute to carbon reduction activities in both the shipbuilding and maritime sectors with various eco-friendly solutions that meet market needs."

The energy-saving techniques will be applied to four car carrying Ro-Ro vessels. The Neptune contract was signed five months after Hyundai Marine Solutions and Accelleron sealed their first contract for the EPLO service.