At the centre of the project is the MARPOWER Energy Conversion System (MECS). This modular power solution is built around an advanced gas turbine that recovers heat normally lost during operation. The system can run on a range of climate-neutral fuels, including hydrogen, ammonia, green methane, and methanol. The MECS is expected to reach up to 54% electrical efficiency and 73-76% total efficiency in combined heat and power operation when running on carbon-neutral fuels. These are exceptionally high-performance levels for ships and have the potential to greatly reduce both fuel use and emissions.
To explore how MECS could be installed on real vessels, the project team is developing two digital case studies that simulate performance under realistic operating conditions.
Case Study I: Electric propulsion for container ships
Container ships are responsible for nearly one-quarter of global maritime greenhouse gas emissions. This study focuses on small to medium container ships – 100 to 200 metres long –capable of carrying between 500 and 2,500 containers. These vessels are common on regional routes that connect smaller ports with major global hubs.
In this case study, the MECS will be modelled as either a replacement for or a complement to traditional diesel engines. It will supply 5.8 megawatts of electric propulsion power, roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 15 000 European households (Eurostat, 2023). The study will pay particular attention to the energy demands of refrigerated containers (reefers), which currently rely heavily on diesel generators.
Key aspects of the modelling include:
- Designing equipment layout and safety zones, supported by Chantiers de l’Atlantique
- Mapping power demand during sailing and in port
- Comparing the MECS with dual-fuel engines that run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or marine gas oil (MGO), focusing on fuel consumption and emissions
Case Study II: Combined Heat and Power for cruise ships
Cruise ships require large amounts of energy – not only for propulsion, but also for heating, cooling, cooking, water production, and other onboard services known collectively as the “hotel load”. This second case study explores whether the MECS can serve as a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system on a 240-metre cruise ship carrying around 500 passengers and equipped with 16 megawatts of installed power.
In this setup, the MECS would generate electricity while capturing waste heat for onboard heating and hot water. This dual-purpose approach could make operations more efficient both at sea and while docked.
The study will examine:
- Layout of machinery and energy flows, designed with input from Chantiers de l’Atlantique and LUT University
- How well the MECS fits with existing ship infrastructure and safety standards
- Potential improvements in regulatory performance indicators such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), assessed by Rina Services
Simulating real-world operations
To ensure realistic results, both case studies will rely on advanced simulation tools developed by the University of Vigo and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. These tools incorporate the project’s Digital Twin, a dynamic virtual model of the energy system that predicts performance under different fuels, ship types, and operating conditions.
Additional technical input comes from:
- Politecnico di Milano, which provides verified models and performance maps for key turbomachinery components
- LUT University, which supplies performance data for subsystems such as the generator and heat-recovery units
In parallel, Rina Consulting will carry out Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of each ship integration scenario.
The simulations will provide insight into:
- Technical feasibility and overall energy efficiency
- Emissions and fuel performance
- Scalability to other vessel types
- Compliance with current and upcoming EU and International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonisation regulations
Towards cleaner, more efficient shipping
Together, the two case studies will show how the MARPOWER Energy Conversion System can help ships reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and operate using clean fuels. By examining both propulsion and Combined Heat and Power applications, the project will demonstrate how the technology can be adapted to different ship types and energy needs.
The MARPOWER project brings together a diverse European consortium, including LUT University, Aurelia Technologies, Alfa Laval, Politecnico di Milano, Rina Consulting, Rina Services, the University of Vigo, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Zabala Innovation. Combining expertise in ship design, energy systems, digital modelling, and sustainability, the consortium aims to deliver new high-performance solutions that support the maritime sector’s transition to a low-carbon future.