Powering Maritime: Challenges and prospects in ship electrification

Abstract

The exponential increase in Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels over the past few decades have swayed the transportation sector toward becoming more electric. In the last decade, with continuous improvements in battery technology and interfacing power electronics, there has been immense progress in the electrification of land-based transport. As their electrification gains pace, the focus is shifting toward greening other forms of transport, such as maritime and aviation sectors, since they contribute substantially to the total carbon footprint. The marine sector has witnessed huge growth in recent years because of the development of international trade, wherein it plays an essential role in the transportation of goods across the globe. The variation in ship sizes, types, and routes—along with their grid-distant nature and water-borne operation—distinguishes them from terrestrial electric vehicles. This gives rise to a multitude of unique challenges on board as well as at the ports that they operate around. Power electronics is one of the key enabling technologies in tackling these challenges and thereby creating safe, reliable, and emission-free maritime transport.