While significant inroads have been made on hybrid and electric adoption in workboats, pleasure craft and ferries, the industry currently faces a major bottleneck. Simply put, the lack of scalable on-board electrical infrastructure is slowing progress among larger ships and vessels.
This stems from the fact that these vessels are tailored around diesel propulsion and low-voltage auxiliary systems. These legacy systems are no longer suitable for modern maritime applications – they are ill-equipped to handle the high voltages, power densities, and thermal demands required for modern electric drives and energy storage systems.
At the same time, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are pushing for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. Aiming for net-zero emissions by or around 2050, the IMO has laid out a clear roadmap for players within the sector to follow to achieve this. Interim targets include a 20-30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, and a 70-80% reduction by 2050.
To achieve this, the IMO has recommended a number of key strategies, including the use of alternative fuels and net-zero GHG emission technologies. Wider efforts to improve carbon intensity within the sector and increase the sustainability of marine ecosystems and fisheries have also been considered within the organisation’s recommendations.
The case for electrification
As a result, we have seen increased electrification of the marine sector in recent years. Shipbuilders and marine system integrators are actively replacing traditional fossil fuel powered engines with electric or hybrid-electric alternatives in order to reduce their GHG emission in line with the IMO’s targets.
Air and noise pollution can also be mitigated through electrical propulsion, especially for smaller, short-distance vessels which operate in sensitive areas like ports, waterways and coastal areas. This is crucial; air quality maps published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in December 2024 highlighted higher annual mean Nitrogen Oxide (NO2) concentrations in port areas when compared to surrounding areas. In fact, some ports still exceed the 2030 limit value of 20 micrograms per cubic metre air (µg/m³), while nine ports across Europe also exceeded the new limit value for particulate matter of 10 micrometres (PM10) too.
There’re performance benefits to electrification too, as electric systems typically offer better acceleration and manoeuvrability. For larger vessels carrying cargo or a large volume of passengers, this functionality can help lead to more efficient operations. Increased efficiency also reduces the likelihood of expensive maintenance costs, meaning more economical operations.
Challenges ahead
However, while these solutions offer a more sustainable and optimal path forward for the industry in terms of zero-emission services and increased on-board performance, challenges still remain in scaling the necessary technology and infrastructure.
As the concept is relatively new, there remains some insufficiency in terms of the amount of charging infrastructure. The high costs and demand for procuring batteries and retrofitting existing vessels – which is also causing supply chain issues for scarce battery materials – and the current limited energy density for long-haul operations.
This is only compounded by the issue of durability, especially for larger vessels. When in service, the batteries are likely to encounter harsh environments and conditions. It’s imperative they withstand extreme and fluctuating temperatures, as well as contact with water, salt and any significant vibrations, all while providing consistent and reliable power for on-board systems.
Setting the standard for maritime solutions
Thankfully, vendors serving the marine sector have risen to this challenge. Creating solutions with longevity and performance in mind, one key area of focus has been the cabling used for critical on-board energy systems, especially those operating in demanding marine environments.
Solutions providers such as HUBER+SUHNER now offer cable families that deliver long-term durability in harsh conditions, combining high electrical performance with strong mechanical and chemical resistance.
Designed specifically for battery and fuel energy systems on vessels – making them suitable for both battery-powered and hybrid operations – new cable solutions are capable of working effectively at temperatures between -40 to 130°C, and for usage in applications such as battery wiring, on-board charges, and auxiliary systems, alongside AC/DC charging sockets and power distribution units (PDUs).
Pivotal to these efforts is certification. Classification organisations such as ISO, IEC and DNV have developed specific standards to ensure the highest possible levels of safety and performance for use across the marine industry.
DNV Type Approval ensures products or components meet specific standards for ships, offshore units, and high-speed craft; something which HUBER+SUHNER recently attained through approval on its RADOX 155(S) and Elastomer S cables.
These regulations ensure that shipbuilders and integrators can be assured the products they’ve procured will work optimally during operation, while at the same time, opening the door to new opportunities for the vendors who designed them.
In line with the growing need for ‘greener’ services, standards are increasingly focused on reducing GHG emissions too. Technologies and systems are validated thoroughly for carbon capture and renewable energy use through type approval processes and other programmes. DNV, for example, also verify emission reduction projects against well-established standards such as ISO 14064-2.
Looking to the future
Through these new solutions and relevant certifications, the maritime sector has gained positive momentum in terms of electrification. This is true of the wider transportation segment at large, and in fact, many of the standards required by vessel manufacturers and owners originate from other sectors, such as automotive.
However, for the sake of the market, vendors must remain committed to delivering future-proof solutions that meet the highest standards of safety, performance and sustainability. As we approach IMO’s initial 2030 benchmark for GHS emissions, the pressure to be environmentally-friendly – without compromising on vessel performance – is only going to grow.
By buying certified products, shipbuilders and integrators can give themselves the best possible chance to hit these stringent targets and drive greater electrification across the industry.
Author details: Jonathan Kaegi, Product Manager Automotive Wire and Cable, HUBER+SUHNER