Power Systems News

Stäubli Electrical Connectors, a leader in advanced connector solutions, and Hepburn and Sons LLC, a leader in Department of Defense (DoD) technology integration, have announced a strategic partnership to develop an improved version of Insulated Bus Pipe (IBP), tailored to meet the U.S. Navy’s power distribution needs for next-generation high-energy pulsed power systems.This collaboration combines Hepburn’s expertise in DoD technology solutions with Stäubli’s manufacturing and connector design capabilities.

This past month Maritime Reporter TV has taken a close look at two hydrogen fuel cell projects: the new research vessel planned for Scripps Institution of Oceanography and e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen technology which is being adopted by STAX Engineering for its emissions capture barges.The Scripps California Coastal Research Vessel will feature a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system that will allow it to operate with no greenhouse gas or other emissions for 75% of its missions – and for all of its time operating in state waters.

The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, has completed a three-month demonstration voyage, achieving a GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95%.The vessel was completed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and IHI Power Systems (IPS) on August 23, 2024, in cooperation with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) as part of a Green Innovation Fund Project under Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).The development project of this vessel started in October 2021 and completed in August 2024…

ClassNK issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fuelled bunkering vessel, a vessel is jointly developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and LMG Marin AS (a member of the Seatrium Group).As ammonia as fuel is expected to be used in shipping to help shipowners meet tough new emission reduction targets, bunkering vessels that supply fuel to ships and related equipment will play an essential role in the supply chain. This vessel is being developed jointly by NYK Line…

ClassNK has issued an Approval-in-Principle (AiP) certificate for an ammonia fueled ammonia bunkering vessel designed by NYK and its partners.Seatrium, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, LMG Marin provided engineering expertise for the vessel’s design, which will now be submitted to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for evaluation.Safety philosophies on the safe use of ammonia, for example in the engine room, were developed to ensure compliance with the IMO’s interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel…

The EU granted $8.1 million to the STEESMAT project, which aims to develop a new power distribution systems for the zero-emission ships of the future.Spearheaded by Maritime CleanTech, 13 partners will collaborate on the development of an innovative power distribution system tailored to the needs of tomorrow’s emission-free vessels. This tech is aiming to simplify the integration of modern green energy sources while optimizing the efficiency of existing solutions. “The Norwegian maritime industry is a global leader in green solutions…

Taking a well-to-wake approach to CO2 emissions means that the shipping industry will look beyond emerging engine technologies such as dual-fuel ammonia engines when considering the viability of alternative fuels.Engine manufacturers are optimizing combustion and reducing pilot fuel requirements, but any pilot diesel requirements mean the process is not 100% carbon free.This week, Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Ocean and Baker Hughes announced a different concept. The companies agreed to design and produce low carbon ammonia gas turbines capable of 100% ammonia combustion.

German shipyard Meyer Werft has launched the zero4cruise project with project partners including Freudenberg e-Power Systems and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).The project aims to develop climate-friendly and low emission energy systems for cruise ships, focusing on fuel cell technology powered by green methanol.The hybrid energy system will combine PEM fuel cells with a methanol reformer and battery systems to optimize efficiency and ensure ships can operate carbon-neutral…

Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Ocean have signed a joint development and collaboration agreement with Baker Hughes to design and produce low carbon ammonia gas turbines, to contribute towards reaching the goal of completely carbon-free operation of ships.Hanwha Group plans to complete the development of liquefied natural gas carriers and container ships using the ammonia gas turbine propulsion system by 2028.The ammonia gas turbine to be developed through this collaboration will be based upon the proven…

CORE POWER (US) Inc. has engaged with Glosten to help its team design a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) to power U.S. ports. Created by CORE POWER, the FNPP concept is a nearshore infrastructure system that includes a barge-based nuclear power plant, barge support services, electrical grid integration, and operational teams. Easy to transport and rapidly deploy, the FNPP will provide an estimated 175GWh of clean electricity per year. The FNPP connection will allow ports to achieve zero-emissions electrical generation for visiting ships…

Deere & Company announced the unveiling of new engines — the JD14 and JD18 marine engines.With the addition of these engines, John Deere will be able to offer marine customers heavier duty cycles* and a more comprehensive power range, from 298 up to 599 kW (400 up to 803 hp). Production is anticipated to begin in 2026.“The vessels powered by our marine engines are part of hardworking, relentless commercial operations that need uncompromising power and reliability,” said Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems.

Seattle-based maritime data analytics company ioCurrents has signed a strategic agreement with engine supplier Bergen Engine, expanding the reach of its MarineInsight data analytics platform.The partnership will enable Bergen Engines to offer ioCurrents’ MarineInsight platform as a value-added solution to customers in new builds, repowers, and overhauls, leveraging real-time data analytics to optimize vessel performance.By combining Bergen Engines’ expertise in designing and delivering high-performance medium speed engines and power systems with ioCurrents’ data analytics…

The Executive Control Board of the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) selected 13 panel projects for award as part of the program's mission to reduce costs and expand capability for U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair. These new projects, valued at over $2.55M in government funding, were among those proposed in response to the Panel Project Solicitation issued in June 2024. Abbreviated descriptions follow; prime contractors are listed first and noted in bold text:Laser…

BNS has acquired Carolina Power Systems (CPS), a provider of marine electrical equipment to the military shipbuilding industry, which will bolster its marine power capabilities.With the acquisition of CPS, combined with that of Cadick Corporation, BNS now offers full lifecycle solutions, services and maintenance support for military and commercial across the marine electrical system spectrum.CPS provides switchboards, motor controllers and other control and monitoring equipment for installation on U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships.

e1Marine and STAX Engineering have announced a collaborative partnership to advance emissions capture and control technology for ocean-going vessels.The collaboration combines e1Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen power systems (M2PWR) with STAX’s emissions capture and control technology.e1Marine will install its M2PWR onto STAX’s barges. The system will supplement their onboard power needs to demonstrate that emissions capture and control for maritime vessels can be safe, effective and sustainable.STAX already offers CARB-compliant capture and control technology for some vessel classes.

The shipping industry is looking into ammonia as an alternative fuel for powering ships, amid other ongoing plans to cut carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050.Here is a list of companies with ammonia-fuelled ship projects:NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA (NYK)NYK, with IHI Power Systems and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), completed the world's first ammonia-fuelled tugboat, Sakigake, on Aug. 23. The vessel will operate in Tokyo Bay for three months.NYK is also building the world's first ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier…

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Hanwha Ocean have announced a five-year strategic partnership to advance low and zero carbon fuels, energy efficiency technologies and onboard carbon capture.The GCMD was established as a non-profit organization in 2021 founded by BHP, BW Group, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Foundation Det Norske Veritas, Ocean Network Express and Seatrium. GCMD also receives funding from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and bp…

The industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants have been unveiled by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) at a forum for nuclear industry leaders held jointly with Idaho National Laboratory (INL).Held at ABS’ world headquarters in Texas, the event saw presentations on the latest reactor technologies from leading companies and publication of a detailed study from ABS and Herbert Engineering modeling the design, operation and emissions of a floating nuclear…

Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has secured a contract to develop and deliver the complete energy design, an integrated automation system and its future-oriented bridge system for a Field Support Vessel, being built by Green Yard Kleven for Romania’s OMV Petrom.NES will supply frequency converters and electric motors for the propulsion system, battery system, transformers and its proprietary Quadro Master switchboard – a DC power distribution switchboard that enables the use of variable speed generators.The Quadro Master is supported by NES’ Odin’s Eye…

Kohler Energy, a provider of energy solutions, including power generation, energy storage, and renewable energy technologies, has rebranded under its new corporate name Rehlko.Rehlko will continue operating as an independent enterprise. The company became a stand-alone entity in May 2024 when Platinum Equity completed a transaction with Kohler Company to establish then-Kohler Energy as a stand-alone business. Platinum Equity is the majority owner of Rehlko with Kohler Company…

HD Hyundai Marine Solution, HD Hyundai Engineering & Technology, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), and Hyundai Heavy Industries Power Systems have obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for their design of an onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) system for retrofits.The retrofit design is applicable to a wide range of vessels, and DNV's AIP confirms that the OCCS technology is both feasible and prepared to meet emerging regulatory requirements.The project was conducted as a Joint Industry Project (JIP) between DNV and the HD Hyundai companies…

When he joined Glosten more than 26 years ago as an intern, little did Morgan Fanberg know that one day he’d be at the helm leading one of the largest privately owned naval architecture firm in the United States. But this USMMA-grad was well outfitted for the task, and in this Maritime Matters: The Marinelink Podcast, Fanberg’s passion for the maritime industry and his company is clear as he candidly discusses the challenges he, his team and the maritime industry face in meeting legislatively mandated goals…

Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) is collaborating with Amogy and RotoBoost in a study aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime industry. The joint development project (JDP) will assess the potential of advanced technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, ammonia-to-power systems, and pre-combustion Carbon Dioxide Capture Storage (CCS) systems from technical, financial, and regulatory perspectives.This partnership marks a significant step toward evaluating how these…