The report, developed by NTNU and Wärtsilä in close collaboration, defines the core of the STEESMAT system. It brings together the technical blueprint for how fuel cells, batteries, converters, and solid-state transformers will work together in a unified DC-based power distribution system.
“With this report, we’ve set the direction. It gives us a shared foundation to move confidently into real-world system design and energy control,” says Erlend Bertheussen, Project Manager at Maritime CleanTech and Coordinator for STEESMAT.
Validating technology for smarter fuel use
The system definition addresses three key configurations: the onboard testbed at Energy House, the demonstrator onboard a vessel, and a conceptual, future-facing setup intended to scale the solution to even larger vessels.
Each setup has a role to play in validating the technology, ensuring both near-term impact and long-term relevance.
The report also outlines a layered control structure – the backbone for the Smart Energy and Emission Management System to come – and includes real component data provided by project partners. From electrical characteristics to efficiency levels, this input is critical for building accurate simulation models and moving into integration.
“The maritime industry aims for transformative changes in ship systems to meet strict emission reduction targets,” says Roger Skjetne, Professor at NTNU Department of Marine Technology.
“Accordingly, we perform research on smart energy management and control functions using AI and predictive algorithms to optimize power system utilization with minimum fuel consumption and emissions. The System Definition & Characterization Report lays the first technical foundation in STEESMAT for our further developments.”
From concept to real-world demonstration
While the inner workings of the report remain internal to the project, STEESMAT now has a well-defined technical map, enabling coordinated development and progress across the consortium.
In the coming period, the project will focus on simulations, control strategy modelling, and preparing for the design lock phase later this year. Full-scale testing and real-world demonstration will follow in the later stages.
By laying this foundation, STEESMAT moves closer to its long-term goal: to develop, demonstrate, and validate a modular, scalable medium-voltage DC power system that can cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions from large ships – helping the maritime industry meet ambitious climate targets.
This is STEESMAT
Smart Transformer for Enhanced Efficiency and Sustainability in Maritime Transportation (STEESMAT) is a 42-month Horizon Europe Innovation Action focused on advancing energy systems for large vessels.
The project introduces a new onboard Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) grid built around solid-state transformer (SST) technology, designed to improve efficiency and support the integration of low- and zero-emission energy sources.
