EU funds innovation for zero-emission ships

Led by Maritime CleanTech, the STEESMAT project brings together 13 European partners to create a power system tailored for tomorrow’s emission-free vessels.

“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,” said Ada M. Jakobsen, chief executive of Maritime CleanTech.

The STEESMAT project aims to replace conventional alternating current systems with medium voltage direct current technology. This will enable engines to operate efficiently at variable speeds, as well as allow the integration of renewable energy sources like batteries, solar panels, fuel cells and wind turbines on large vessels.

The technology, which the project partners hope to commercialise by 2029, promises to reduce vessel weight, optimise energy consumption and potentially cut emissions by up to 40%.

The former Norwegian Coast Guard vessel, KV Senja, now renamed RV North Star, will serve as a floating laboratory to test the MVDC system under real-world sea conditions.

“We are excited to leverage our test facilities to develop new solutions that will help reduce emissions from global shipping,” said Willie Wågen, chief executive of the Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre which has made the vessel available.

“The technology will first be tested at our onshore facility before being demonstrated at sea aboard the RV North Star.”