An initiative looking to revolutionise maritime electrification is underway with the ALL-DC-SHIPS project, a €10.2 million endeavour funded by Horizon Europe.

Coordinated by the University of Birmingham, the three-year project brings together twelve partners from eight European countries to develop and demonstrate a fully direct current (DC) electrical system for ships, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

The project aims to establish a full DC-based power architecture, including secondary networks supplying hotel loads, to improve reliability and energy management. While some vessels have incorporated DC primary grids, secondary grids have largely remained reliant on traditional alternating current (AC) solutions. By integrating advanced components such as wide bandgap power converters and solid-state protection devices, the ALL-DC-SHIPS project seeks to mitigate blackout risks and improve overall system efficiency.