Seatrium to retrofit 5 Karpowership 600 MW vessels
Seatrium secures contract to retrofit Karpowership’s Whale Class vessels with multi-fuel systems.
Singapore’s Seatrium has secured a contract to convert five of Karpowership’s largest floating power plants, known as Whale Class vessels, into hydrogen-ready units capable of generating up to 600 megawatts (MW) each. The project expands a partnership that began in 2018 and introduces multi-fuel systems designed to operate on conventional marine fuel, natural gas, and hydrogen blends.
The Whale Class represents Karpowership’s most advanced powership design, with each vessel equipped to deliver between 500 MW and 600 MW of electricity. The ships will include three engines, six gas turbines, and accommodation for 46 crew members. Onboard substations will allow direct connection to national grids, enabling rapid deployment once infrastructure is in place.
Key Features of the Whale Class Powerships: Seatrium
Karpowership highlights the vessels’ plug-and-play capability, which allows them to begin generating power within 30 days of arrival. The hydrogen-ready systems are designed to blend hydrogen with other fuels without requiring structural modifications, though neither company has disclosed when hydrogen blends will be introduced or their expected share of power generation.
Natural Gas
The first powership is scheduled to arrive at Seatrium’s Tuas Boulevard Yard in Singapore in December 2027. The conversion work will cover equipment integration, mechanical completion, and pre-commissioning. Alvin Gan, Seatrium’s Executive Vice President for Repairs and Upgrades, confirmed this marks the company’s first Whale Class conversion, with its offshore engineering division leading the integration efforts.
Project Timeline and Scope
Gokhan Kocak, Karpowership’s Chief Technical Operations Officer, cited Seatrium’s experience in converting complex vessels as a key factor in the partnership. The contract builds on previous collaborations, including the delivery of seven Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) since 2018 and two additional vessels under contract. An earlier August 2025 letter of intent, which outlined plans for three FSRU conversions and up to six powerships, has now materialized into this agreement for five Whale Class vessels.
The project reflects growing demand for flexible power solutions, particularly in regions where traditional infrastructure is limited. Floating power plants like the Whale Class can supply electricity to coastal grids without the need for extensive land-based facilities, offering a scalable alternative to conventional power stations.
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