© JAN DE NUL
ALL DC SHIPS to be presented at IEEE Sustainable Maritime Webinar
2 JULY 2026
We are delighted to share that our project will be presented at an upcoming IEEE Sustainable Maritime Webinar. The session titled, “Fault Analysis of DC Power Systems for Maritime Applications”, will present recent research on the modelling, simulation, and fault analysis of maritime DC power systems, focusing on all-DC ship architectures that include hybrid energy storage. Using detailed PSCAD models of vessel power distribution systems, the presentation will examine pole-to-pole faults in feeder cables and bus-tie connections, highlighting fault propagation mechanisms, current rise rates, and system-wide impacts on voltage stability.
The seminar will compare the performance of conventional fuse-based protection with emerging solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs), demonstrating how ultra-fast semiconductor protection can significantly reduce fault currents, improve selectivity, and maintain system operation during severe fault events. Experimental results from a 3 kV SSCB lab prototype will also be presented to highlight some of the critical aspects of interruption of faults of high-voltage DC systems.
The talk will be of interest to researchers, engineers, ship designers, and practitioners working in maritime power systems, power electronics, energy storage integration, and future all-electric vessel technologies.Register via the IEEE Sustainable Maritime Activity
ALL DC SHIPS Showcases Marine DC Protection Research at IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo 2026
15 MAY 2026
ALL DC SHIPS was proud to contribute to the IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo (ITEC) 2026 in Michigan, USA, where Project Coordinator Prof. Pietro Tricoli presented two research papers addressing critical challenges in the development of next-generation DC-powered vessels.
The first paper, “Fault Analysis and Protection Scheme for Marine DC Power Distribution Networks”, explored approaches for ensuring safe and reliable fault detection and protection in marine DC power systems. The research highlights the importance of robust protection strategies as the maritime sector moves towards DC-based electrical architectures to support electrification and decarbonisation goals.
On the second day of the conference, Prof. Tricoli presented “Design and Safety-Oriented Development of High-Voltage Testing of Solid-State Circuit Breakers for All DC Marine Applications”. The paper focuses on the safety-oriented design and testing of high-voltage solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs), a key technology for enabling fast, reliable fault management in future DC shipboard networks.
Together, these contributions demonstrate the ALL DC SHIPS project’s commitment to advancing resilient, efficient and scalable DC power systems for maritime applications. By addressing both fault protection strategies and next-generation protection devices, the project is helping lay the foundations for safer, more sustainable and zero-emission vessel operations.
For more information on ALL DC SHIPS research outputs, visit the project resources section of the website.
Workshop to spotlight DC ships at SMM Hamburg 2026
06 MAY 2026
A joint workshop hosted by the ALL-DC-SHIPS and STEESMAT projects will take place at SMM Hamburg 2026, bringing industry and research experts together to explore the future of DC powered vessels.
Titled ‘Making DC Ships Market-Ready’, this interactive session will bring together experts from across industry and research to explore how DC architectures can support future vessels by enabling more flexible integration of clean energy sources such as batteries and fuel cells. We will also discuss what the market needs next: demonstrated performance, interoperable solutions, and trusted certification pathways.
The event will be held on Thursday, 3 September 2026, from 15:00 to 18:00 and is expected to attract professionals involved in ship design, electrification, and maritime innovation.
ALL-DC-SHIPS represented at the 5th Conference on Electrification, Fuel Cells, Alternative Fuels and Battery Development for Short Sea, Inland Vessels and Harbor Operations
08 JUNE 2026
Advances in maritime electrification were a key focus at a major industry conference, where experts gathered to discuss the future of cleaner and more efficient vessel power systems.
Amin Touat, Senior Electrical Systems Engineer at cruise operator Ponant, a partner in the ALL‑DC‑SHIPS project, delivered a technical presentation, titled “Unlocking the potential of DC electrification for cruise ships: Efficiency, safety & operational transformation,” highlighted the growing role of direct current (DC) systems in modern ship design.
Amine’s presentation outlined how DC electrical architectures can significantly improve cruise ship performance. Key benefits include enhanced energy efficiency, more effective power management, and improved system safety through increased redundancy. He also emphasised the operational flexibility that DC systems offer, particularly in supporting hybrid propulsion and low-emission technologies. Drawing on real-world applications, Amine shared practical lessons from existing cruise ship implementations, providing insight into how these systems perform outside of theoretical models. The session formed part of a broader programme exploring alternative fuels, battery systems, and electrification strategies aimed at reducing emissions across short sea shipping, inland waterways, and port operations.
Project Partners meet in Vienna, Austria for the 3rd General Assembly
18 MARCH 2026
The ALL-DC-SHIPS Consortium gathered in Vienna, Austria in March 2026 for the 3rd General Assembly.
Bringing the full consortium together – 12 organisations from 8 European countries – was an important opportunity to align on technical progress, strengthen cross‑partner collaboration, and map out the next phase of the work toward advancing DC shipboard power systems. Project partners undertook 2 days of productive discussions, deeper insights into technical work and restated the consortium’s shared commitment to innovation.
The next phase of the project promises further technical developments as we move ever closer to demonstrating a fully DC electrical architecture through real‑world testing on a 3000 GT dredger.
We look forward to sharing more updates on these developments in the coming months.
Use cases description and safety critical element report(D1.1) now available on CORDIS
13 MARCH 2026
Report describing the use cases and the assessment of the safety criticalities is now available for download on CORDIS. In this report, each use case is comprehensively described including mission profiles, characteristics of the loads, operational requirements. The focus is on describing specific use cases for large vessels using a fully DC power architecture. It includes an assessment of safety-critical elements, translating these safety requirements into technical specifications for power electronics and solid-state circuit breakers. The document also reviews relevant standards and lays the groundwork for the preliminary design of electrical systems, ensuring they meet redundancy and operational demands.
Public deliverables can now be found on CORDIS
27 OCTOBER 2025
For publicly accessible deliverables related to the ALL-DC-SHIPS project, please follow the links below to CORDIS.
Data Management Plan – Processes and guidelines for managing research data collected or generated inside the project with potential ethics requirements, version 1 (Task 8.1). The plan will ensure that research data and outputs adhere to the FAIR principles.
Communication and Dissemination Plan – Description of the Communication and Dissemination strategy including exploitation pathways, version 1 (Task 7.1). The plan will be devised with a multi-layered approach, setting-up communication and dissemination contact points for each level of the vessel’s demonstrator to guarantee effective outreach and engagement rates
ALL-DC-SHIPS Project Partners gather for the General Assembly in Birmingham
08 OCTOBER 2025
Partners from across Europe gathered at the University of Birmingham for the ALL-DC-SHIPS General Assembly meeting on 8th and 9th October 2025. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the progress made so far, share insights, and align on the next steps for this ambitious Horizon Europe project.
From technical updates to strategic planning, the discussions were rich and collaborative — with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and synergy with related projects.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the meeting. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to continuing our work towards decarbonising shipping through advanced DC power systems.
ALL-DC-SHIPS presented at the International Conference on Clean Electrical Power 2025
25 JUNE 2025
The ALL-DC-SHIPS project was featured at the International Conference on Clean Electrical Power (ICCEP), in Sardinia, Italy, during a dedicated roundtable on EU-funded initiatives advancing clean power technologies.
Project Coordinator Professor Pietro Tricoli presented the project’s contributions to decarbonising maritime transport through advanced DC power systems. The session brought together several Horizon Europe projects, including AHEAD, SHIFT2DC, V-ACCESS, RE-SKIN, NEST Laboratory, and CBHE 3E-Partnership, highlighting collaborative efforts in sustainable energy and transport.
ALL-DC-SHIPS showcased at Nor-Shipping 2025 in Oslo
17 June 2025
The ALL-DC-SHIPS project was presented at Nor-Shipping 2025, in Oslo, Norway, one of the maritime industry’s leading global events focused on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
Amine Touat, Senior Electrical Engineer at project partner, PONANT, presented the project’s latest advancements in DC/DC converters and DC solid-state circuit breakers, which are key technologies for the primary and secondary grids of low- and zero-emission vessels. The presentation highlighted how ALL-DC-SHIPS is accelerating the transition to cleaner maritime energy systems.
ALL-DC-SHIPS project kicks off in Brussels to advance low-emission shipping
18 February 2025
The ALL-DC-SHIPS project officially launched with a kick-off meeting in Brussels, Belgium, bringing together 12 partners from eight European countries. Funded by Horizon Europe, the €10.2 million initiative aims to develop a prototype vessel powered entirely by DC electrical systems.
Led by the University of Birmingham, the project will integrate advanced DC/DC converters, solid-state protection devices, and energy management systems to improve efficiency and reliability in shipboard power systems. The goal is to support the maritime sector’s transition to low- and zero-emission vessels in line with EU climate targets for 2030 and 2050.
The consortium will demonstrate a full DC grid architecture on a real vessel, paving the way for cleaner, more resilient maritime transport.