Professor Pietro Tricoli, from the University of Birmingham, commented: “Waterborne transport must significantly reduce its use of fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse gas emissions to meet climate-neutral goals set for 2050. A vital part of this decarbonisation effort is rapid expansion of low-carbon power sources and energy storage solutions.
“To support this transition, shipboard power systems must integrate high-power components and protection devices more efficiently”
While some vessels have already incorporated DC primary grids, their secondary grids have largely remained based on traditional AC solutions.
By integrating advanced components with existing power converters and protection devices in primary and secondary grids, the ALL-DC-SHIPS project aims to reduce the risk of blackouts due to faults, improving the overall reliability of the power system.
“ALL-DC-SHIPS” was successfully kicked off in Brussels on the 18th of February, and we will soon start sharing updates on its progress.
Globalisation, population growth and a better standard of living have led to ever-increasing world trade and transport needs. Maritime transport is the most energy-efficient mode of transport, accounting for 80% of the world's freight of goods.
Some 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from shipping, and ambitious targets have been set for emission cuts up to 2030 and 2050. Environmental friendliness will be the dominant challenge for the maritime industry in the coming years, which must be solved while maintaining the requirements for safety and cost levels. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 20% by 2030. Its revised 2023 strategy sets a goal of net zero emissions from ships by 2050.