ABS Verifies Breakerless MVDC Power System Concept for Large Commercial Ships

Summary

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has recognised HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for completing the Concept Verification stage of a breakerless medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) power system under its New Technology Qualification programme. Designed for large commercial vessels requiring approximately 30 MW of power, the system aims to support high-capacity electrification and energy-efficient power distribution.

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ABS Advances Breakerless MVDC Power System Qualification

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has recognised HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for completing the Concept Verification stage of New Technology Qualification (NTQ) for a breakerless medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) power system.

The system is designed for large commercial vessels with power requirements of approximately 30 MW. Its architecture incorporates advanced control and fault-management capabilities to support safe and resilient power distribution as vessel sizes and onboard electricity demand increase.

The technology is being developed to help shipowners improve energy efficiency while accommodating higher power requirements associated with the electrification of marine systems.

Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, said: “Large vessels are asking more of their power systems, and MVDC offers a promising route to higher efficiency and greater capacity. This work with HD KSOE and HHI gives owners and yards a clearer view of the technology’s potential and supports the development of ABS guidance for MVDC,”

Development Progresses Towards Prototype Validation

The Concept Verification milestone follows the successful completion of the system’s Feasibility Stage in 2025. The joint development project began in 2024 to examine the application of MVDC power systems aboard ships.

With the latest stage completed, the project is progressing towards Prototype Validation, the next phase in the technology qualification process.

Sang-Hyun Kim, Senior Vice President of the Electrification Center at HD KSOE, said: “With the Feasibility Stage completed in 2025 and Concept Verification now secured, our timeline for delivering advanced marine MVDC systems is rapidly accelerating. As we move toward Prototype Validation, we are committed to perfecting this breakerless technology and setting a new standard for safe, high-power electrification in the maritime industry,”

The breakerless configuration is intended to combine high-capacity electrical distribution with integrated control and fault-management functions. The technology is being assessed for its potential to meet the power demands of large commercial vessels as the maritime industry explores higher levels of electrification.

ABS Supports Marine Electrification Standards

ABS is working with shipbuilders and technology developers to establish technical guidance for the adoption of high-capacity electrical systems in the maritime sector.

The qualification programme for the breakerless MVDC system forms part of these efforts, with the ongoing development intended to support the assessment and eventual application of advanced power distribution technologies aboard commercial vessels.

FAQs

What is a breakerless MVDC power system?

A breakerless medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) power system is an electrical distribution architecture designed to manage high-power requirements using integrated control and fault-management capabilities rather than relying on conventional circuit breakers as the primary means of fault interruption.

Which companies have completed the Concept Verification stage?

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have completed the Concept Verification stage under ABS’s New Technology Qualification programme.

What is the intended power capacity of the system?

The system is designed for large commercial vessels requiring approximately 30 MW of electrical power.

What are the benefits of MVDC power systems for ships?

MVDC systems are being explored to support higher-capacity electrical distribution, improve energy efficiency and accommodate increasing onboard power demand as vessels adopt more electrified systems.

What is the next development stage for the technology?

Following the completion of the Feasibility Stage in 2025 and Concept Verification, the project is moving towards Prototype Validation.