From AC to DC: Europe invests in next-generation ship power systems
Two Horizon Europe projects are joining forces to help prepare direct-current (DC) ship power systems for commercial deployment, bringing together innovation, testing and standardisation efforts to support Europe’s transition to low- and zero-emission shipping. Batteries, fuel cells, and other clean energy sources are changing how ships are powered. Now, the STEESMAT and ALL-DC-SHIPS projects are…
Europe is investing in advanced ship power systems for the future of maritime energy. Two Horizon Europe projects, STEESMAT and ALL-DC-SHIPS, are collaborating to refine direct-current (DC) systems for commercial use. These DC-based systems offer greater energy efficiency, reduced complexity, and enhanced integration of renewable energy sources.
STEESMAT is developing a medium-voltage DC system with solid-state transformer technology, low-voltage DC secondary grid, and AI-based smart energy management. These components will be tested in a land-based Energy House before a demonstration aboard a commercial vessel at sea. ALL-DC-SHIPS, on the other hand, is focusing on creating a fully integrated DC electrical architecture for ships, which will be demonstrated through real-world testing on a 3000 GT dredger.
The transition to DC ship power systems is crucial for European shipping's shift to low- and zero-emission operations. The collaboration between industry stakeholders and researchers, as highlighted in the upcoming workshop at SMM Hamburg on 3 September 2026, is essential for addressing technical, regulatory, and commercial aspects of the transition from AC to DC systems.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
