Efficient zero-emissions gas turbine POWER system for MARitime transport

Advancing zero-emission technologies for maritime sector

The maritime sector’s transition to zero-emission transport is crucial for reducing environmental impact and addressing climate change. Today, most onboard power systems rely on fossil fuels, contributing to significant CO2 emissions and posing a major challenge for the decarbonisation of maritime transport. At the same time, the sector requires reliable and efficient power systems capable of meeting diverse operational needs across different vessel types.

In this context, there is a clear need for advanced technologies that can use sustainable alternative fuels effectively, while delivering high efficiency and fuel flexibility. Such solutions are essential to support the gradual transition of the maritime sector away from conventional fossil-based power systems.

To address this challenge, the EU-funded MARPOWER project is developing an advanced gas turbine system for maritime power generation. The system is designed specifically for onboard applications and aims to support the use of sustainable alternative fuels, including green methane, green methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. By enabling operation with different fuels, MARPOWER seeks to provide a flexible solution that can adapt to evolving energy pathways within the maritime sector.

High efficiency and fuel flexibility are key elements of the MARPOWER concept. The system targets high electrical efficiency, as well as high overall efficiency, contributing directly to the reduction of maritime CO2 emissions. Improving efficiency at system level is a critical factor in reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact in maritime operations.

Another defining feature of the MARPOWER system is its modular design. This modular approach supports both electrical power generation and Combined Heat and Power mode, allowing the system to supply electricity and recover useful heat for onboard applications. By combining these modes of operation, the system aims to improve overall energy utilisation and to respond to different onboard energy demands.

In addition to future newbuild vessels, the transition to zero-emission maritime transport also concerns the existing fleet. Solutions that combine fuel flexibility and modular design can support different pathways towards reducing CO2 emissions across a wide range of vessels. In this context, the MARPOWER system is conceived to be adaptable to different onboard energy configurations, contributing to the reduction of maritime CO2 emissions in both current and future ships.

The MARPOWER system is conceived as part of integrated onboard energy systems, rather than as a standalone component. Its design supports flexibility, scalability and adaptability, making it suitable for a range of maritime applications and operational profiles. By developing advanced technologies that combine high efficiency, fuel flexibility and modularity, MARPOWER aims to contribute to the decarbonisation of maritime transport and to support the transition towards more sustainable and efficient maritime power systems.