Next-gen power system for green shipping wins EU funding

February 19, 2025, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

The European Union has granted NOK 90 million (about €7.8 million) to the STEESMAT project, aimed at developing power distribution systems for zero-emission ships of the future.

Spearheaded by Maritime CleanTech—a Norway-based public-private partnership dedicated to developing sustainable shipping solutions—13 European partners will collaborate on the development of an ‘innovative’ power distribution system tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s emission-free vessels.

As explained, the advanced technology aims to simplify the integration of ‘modern’ green energy sources while optimizing the efficiency of existing solutions. The project is expected to drive substantial emissions reductions across the maritime sector.

“The Norwegian maritime industry is a global leader in green solutions, and this project represents another technological leap forward. The €8 million in EU funding enables us to develop solutions that not only cut emissions but also streamline the adoption of sustainable energy sources. I am proud of our partners, who are working together to create a more efficient and climate-friendly shipping industry,” Ada M. Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech, commented.

The newly launched STEESMAT project aims to develop a power system based on medium voltage direct current (MVDC), replacing today’s conventional alternating current (AC) systems. By enabling engines to operate more efficiently at variable speeds, the system will facilitate the integration of multiple renewable energy sources on large vessels, including batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, and wind turbines.

As per project partners, the STEESMAT system will also reduce vessel weight and overall energy consumption. With the potential to cut emissions by up to 40%, this is said to represent “a critical technological breakthrough, positioning European industries at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation”.

The former Norwegian Coast Guard vessel, KV Senja—now renamed RV North Star—will serve as a floating laboratory for the project. The ship will be outfitted with the new MVDC system to be tested under actual sea conditions.

“We are excited to leverage our test facilities to develop new solutions that will help reduce emissions from global shipping. The technology will first be tested at our onshore facility before being demonstrated at sea aboard the RV North Star,” Willie Wågen, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre, said.

With increasingly stringent international regulations and rising costs associated with shipping emissions, the STEESMAT project is a key component of the EU’s green shipping strategy, aiming for the commercialization of the new technology by 2029.