Last week, the maritime industry got a double dose of green innovation with the launch of two Horizon Europe projects: STEESMAT and FLEETfor55. These aren’t just your average research initiatives; they’re game-changers, aiming to revolutionize how we power and manage ships, and they’re backed by serious EU funding.
STEESMAT, which stands for Smart Transformer for Enhanced Efficiency and Sustainability in Maritime Transportation, is all about developing groundbreaking power distribution systems for zero-emission ships. Imagine a system that simplifies the integration of modern green energy sources like batteries, solar panels, fuel cells, and wind turbines. That’s exactly what STEESMAT is shooting for. The project will test its innovative power system based on Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) on the former Norwegian Coast Guard Vessel, KV Senja, now the Research Vessel North Star. This isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s about making ships more efficient and easier to operate. “The Norwegian maritime industry is a global leader in green solutions. The STEESMAT project represents another technological leap forward,” says Ada M. Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech, the project’s spearhead. With 13 partners on board, including NTNU, STEESMAT is set to drive substantial emission reductions across the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, FLEETfor55 is about aligning the European waterborne sector with the EU’s “Fit for 55” targets for 2030, which aims to reduce emissions in Europe by at least 55% by 2030. This project is a comprehensive roadmap to identify the most cost-effective and sustainable implementation of energy efficiency technologies (EETs) onboard various types of vessels. “Together with 22 other European partners spanning the maritime value chain, we will develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify the most cost effective and sustainable implementation of energy efficiency technologies (EETs) onboard various types of vessels,” says Mehdi Zadeh, Professor at NTNU Department of Marine Technology. FLEETfor55 will evaluate both new vessel designs and retrofits, with ten use cases planned. This project is about more than just reducing emissions; it’s about creating a sustainable future for the maritime industry.
These projects aren’t just about the tech; they’re about collaboration. NTNU, a key player in both projects, is bringing its cutting-edge scientific methods to the table. “Projects like STEESMAT and FLEETfor55 is very important for us to maintain an active collaboration with ambitious companies, where they contribute with best practice and technological details and we contribute with cutting edge scientific methods,” says Roger Skjetne, Professor at NTNU Department of Marine Technology. This collaboration is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in the maritime sector.
So, what does this mean for the future of the maritime industry? Well, for starters, it’s a clear signal that the EU is serious about decarbonizing shipping. These projects are about more than just reducing emissions; they’re about creating a sustainable future for the maritime industry. They’re about making ships more efficient, easier to operate, and more environmentally friendly. They’re about creating new industries and value chains. They’re about maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in the maritime sector. They’re about collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to a greener future. The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and projects like STEESMAT and FLEETfor55 are paving the way for a sustainable future. The question is, will the industry take the wheel and drive towards a greener horizon?
