On May 9, 2025, LUT University in Lappeenranta, Finland, hosted another edition of High-Speed Day, a long-standing event dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in high-speed electromechanical systems. As the coordinator of the MARPOWER Project, LUT University welcomed 30 participants from leading companies, research institutes and universities to share developments and insights in the field.
One of the highlights of the day was a presentation by Toni Hartikainen, R&D Director at Aurelia Turbines, a partner in the MARPOWER Project. Hartikainen presented the project’s core mission: to decarbonize maritime transport through the development of a flexible and highly efficient gas turbine-based energy conversion system, known as MECS. The system is designed to operate effectively with a range of net-zero fuels, including green methane, hydrogen, and ammonia, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels in maritime applications.
In his talk, Hartikainen emphasized the technological innovations at the heart of MARPOWER. These include advanced gas turbines engineered for high efficiency and fuel flexibility, waste heat recovery systems that enhance overall energy use, and the integration of active magnetic bearings to ensure reliable performance in the demanding conditions of marine environments. He also introduced the use of digital twin technology, which creates a virtual replica of the system for simulation and performance validation, crucial for integration and optimization on moving platforms like ships.
The expected outcomes of the MARPOWER Project are significant. The energy conversion system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime operations by up to 21% and achieve electrical efficiencies of up to 54%. Its design will be compact and scalable, making it suitable for a wide range of vessel types. By providing a viable, sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based systems, MARPOWER contributes meaningfully to global climate goals and efforts to decarbonize maritime transport.
During the event, the MARPOWER presentation sparked several questions from participants, including one about the efficiency from fuel to propulsion. This topic, as Hartikainen explained, will be addressed in one of the project’s case studies, “MECS for Propulsion (Electricity Generation)”, developed under WP4 (Assessment), where detailed performance analysis and validation are ongoing. This case study focuses on the environmental impact of container ships, particularly small and medium-sized feeder ships, which are responsible for 23% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the maritime sector.
High-Speed Day as a knowledge exchange hub
High-Speed Day has become an important platform for exchanging knowledge and advancing research in high-speed technologies, particularly in electromechanical energy conversion systems. The 2025 event featured a diverse range of presentations from companies such as ABB, Tamturbo, Spindrive, and The Switch, alongside academic contributions from Aalto University and LUT University. The gathering provided an opportunity to explore advancements in areas such as oil-free air compressors, active magnetic bearing systems, high-power converters, and special electric machines.
Participation in High-Speed Day 2025 reaffirmed MARPOWER’s commitment to open collaboration and innovation. The event showcased not only the project’s technical progress but also the growing momentum in the industry toward cleaner, smarter energy solutions for the maritime sector.