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Electric Charging for Marine Vehicles: From shore and offshore energy to propulsion.

Abstract

With the rapid development of battery-propelled and plug-in hybrid vessels, along with increasingly stringent regulations, electric charging solutions are emerging as a key interface between shore-based or offshore electric energy systems and onboard power systems. This article outlines the state of the art in marine charging technologies and investigates the role of intelligent adaptive control in enabling maritime electrification. A comparative assessment of major charging technologies is presented, including conductive charging, inductive charging, and battery swapping, outlining their system architectures, infrastructure requirements, and operational tradeoffs. The article covers both established solutions and emerging developments, highlighting technical maturity, scalability, and integration challenges. In addition, intelligent charging functionalities are discussed, including approaches based on real-time communication, active system monitoring, and the integration of artificial intelligence-based features to enhance adaptability, grid interaction, and operational efficiency. The conclusions highlight the importance of coordinated infrastructure planning and advanced control strategies to ensure reliable, scalable, and sustainable charging solutions for next-generation marine vehicles.

Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Energy Research / Energy Systems
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Date

10.09.2026

Year

2026

Published in

IEEE Electrification Magazine

ISSN

2325-5897

Volume

14

Issue

3

Page(s)

108 - 120

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository