The EU has granted €7.8 million ($8.1 million) to the STEESMAT project, which aims to develop power distribution systems for future zero-emission ships.
Spearheaded by Maritime CleanTech, 13 European partners will collaborate on the development of an innovative power distribution system tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s emission-free vessels.
This technology will simplify the integration of modern green energy sources while optimising the efficiency of existing solutions. The project is expected to drive substantial emissions reductions across the maritime sector.
The newly launched STEESMAT project will 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 seamless integration of multiple renewable energy sources on large vessels, including batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, and wind turbines.
The STEESMAT system will also reduce vessel weight and overall energy consumption. With the potential to cut emissions by up to 40 per cent, this represents 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.
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. It aims to commercialise the new technology by 2029.
“We are excited to leverage our test facilities to develop new solutions that will help reduce emissions from global shipping,” said Willie Wågen, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre, who has made the vessel available as a test platform for the project.
“The technology will first be tested at our onshore facility before being demonstrated at sea aboard the RV North Star.”
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“The Norwegian maritime industry is a global leader in green solutions, and this project represents another technological leap forward,” said Ada M. Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech.
“The €8 million ($8.3 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.”
Earlier this week, Kuehne+Nagel renewed its strategic collaboration with Acer Europe to decarbonise sea shipments by using biofuel.
