The Future of Sustainable Shipping: EU Funds Groundbreaking STEESMAT Project

The European Union has allocated NOK 90 million (about €7.8 million) to the STEESMAT project, spearheaded by Maritime CleanTech. This initiative aims to revolutionize power distribution systems for zero-emission ships of the future.

Maritime CleanTech, a Norway-based public-private partnership, will lead a consortium of 13 European partners in developing an innovative power distribution system tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s emission-free vessels. The goal is to simplify the integration of green energy sources and optimize efficiency to drive significant emissions reductions in the maritime sector.

CEO of Maritime CleanTech, Ada M. Jakobsen, expressed pride in the project, highlighting the €8 million EU funding as a catalyst for creating a more efficient and climate-friendly shipping industry.

Advancing Green Technology

The STEESMAT project will focus on developing a power system based on medium voltage direct current (MVDC) to replace conventional alternating current (AC) systems. This shift will enable engines to operate more efficiently at variable speeds, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources like batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, and wind turbines on large vessels.

Partners anticipate that the STEESMAT system will not only reduce vessel weight and energy consumption but also cut emissions by up to 40%, positioning European industries at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation.

Testing Grounds

The former Norwegian Coast Guard vessel, KV Senja (now RV North Star), will serve as a floating laboratory for the project. The ship will be equipped with the new MVDC system for testing under actual sea conditions. CEO of the Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre, Willie Wågen, emphasized the importance of leveraging test facilities to develop emission-reducing solutions for global shipping.

Green Shipping Strategy

With stringent international regulations and rising costs associated with shipping emissions, the STEESMAT project aligns with the EU’s green shipping strategy. The aim is to commercialize the new technology by 2029, paving the way for a more sustainable maritime industry.