The MARPOWER project, funded by the European Union, aims to develop a cutting-edge gas turbine-based energy conversion system for electricity generation and cogeneration aboard marine vessels. This system is designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and support the use of alternative fuels, positioning it as a key innovation for the maritime industry. Bringing together a highly multidisciplinary consortium of 11 expert entities, the project focuses on key areas such as turbomachinery, alternative fuels and combustion, energy conversion, gas turbines, bearing systems, heat recovery, digital twins, shipbuilding, and project consulting.
Among these experts is Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a leading European shipyard specializing in cruise ships, naval vessels, and fleet services. With a 150-year legacy in shipbuilding, Chantiers de l’Atlantique has played a pivotal role in designing and delivering some of the most complex maritime structures in the world. Based in Saint-Nazaire, France, it is the largest single shipyard in Europe, with a shipbuilding capacity of 420,000 GRT (Gross Register Tonnage) per year. The facility spans 108 hectares and includes an impressive 1,200-meter-long drydock, equipped with a 1,400-ton gantry crane.
With 4,000 employees across its three Business Units -Ship, Offshore, and Service- Chantiers de l’Atlantique collaborates with a broad network of subcontractors and suppliers, forming what is known as the “enlarged company”. The company is renowned for its expertise in design, integration, testing, trials, and turnkey maritime solutions. It has a strong track record of innovation, including the development of the first dual-fuel LNG carrier.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s role in the MARPOWER project
As part of the MARPOWER project, the shipyard is developing a new ship concept featuring an onboard gas turbine system, focusing on its integration and energy efficiency.
Gas turbines are emerging as a promising solution for maritime power conversion due to their fuel flexibility and high efficiency. To leverage this potential, Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance team is optimizing the integration of this technology. Their work spans both fabrication aspects, such as system design and interface management, and operational aspects, including energy efficiency optimization.
This dedicated team consists of energy experts, R&D project managers, and data scientists, all working to minimize the ship’s environmental impact. Their efforts cover the entire lifecycle of a cruise ship, from the R&D phase to operational deployment. This includes developing new technologies, defining efficiency improvements during ship design, and supporting shipowners and crews in operating equipment and systems efficiently. This work relies on the collection and analysis of operational data.
During the R&D phase, project managers focus on developing innovative technologies, reducing emissions, improving waste treatment, and conducting life cycle assessments (LCA) to minimize environmental impact from the design stage. This work is carried out through EU projects, in-house developments, and onboard pilot programs.
Key Objectives and Tasks
Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s contribution to the project focuses on several critical tasks, such as:
- Defining the design requirements for the gas turbines to ensure their optimized integration into the ship.
- Developing a ship concept that incorporates MARPOWER’s gas turbine technology through case studies.
- Conducting an energy efficiency analysis using the shipyard’s advanced twin ship model, simulating real-world performance.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s expertise is crucial in multiple areas, particularly Work Package 4 (WP4). This work package focuses on:
- Assessing the compliance of the final system with maritime regulations.
- Conducting two vessel integration case studies, including performance simulation and scenario comparisons.
- Evaluating the risks associated with the MARPOWER Energy Conversion System (MECS), considering safety, lifecycle, maintenance, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Pioneering sustainable shipbuilding
Through its involvement in the MARPOWER project, Chantiers de l’Atlantique is reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable shipbuilding. By integrating next-generation gas turbine technology, the company is advancing maritime energy solutions and helping shape the European transition to greener, more efficient vessels.