Dutch Partnership Aims to Fast-Track Electric Ship Development

2026-07-20 green

Enschede, Monday, 20 July 2026.
A new July 2026 Dutch partnership uses virtual simulation to test electric ship systems before installation, significantly reducing development risks and accelerating the transition to green maritime transit.

Bridging Academic Research and Maritime Engineering

The global maritime industry is facing intensifying pressure to decarbonize, driven by increasingly stringent climate regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the European Union (EU), and national governments [3]. In response, Dutch system integrator Alewijnse has established a strategic partnership with the University of Twente (UT) to advance maritime vessel electrification [3][8]. This collaborative effort merges the academic expertise of the university’s Power Electronics group, led by Professor Thiago Batista Soeiro, with Alewijnse’s extensive practical experience in maritime engineering and system integration [1][3][8]. By combining these strengths, the two organizations aim to refine how modern electrical systems and energy management strategies are designed, validated, and implemented onboard vessels [1][8].

The Origin of the Collaborative Framework

The foundation for this academic-industrial alliance was established through the master’s thesis research of Petar Vuckovic, a student from Montenegro studying at the University of Twente [3][8]. Vuckovic initiated his research at Alewijnse in January 2026, building upon a prior internship with the company that focused on solid-state circuit breakers and direct current (DC) grid protection [3]. His current work is directly contributing to the development of an innovative Typhoon Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) solution, which is designed to test and validate Energy Management System (EMS) algorithms in real time [1][3][8].

The Mechanics of Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) technology represents a significant shift in maritime systems engineering by allowing engineers to model, simulate, and assess complex electrical power systems in a virtual environment prior to physical deployment [1][8]. According to Zoran Malbasic, Senior R&D Systems Engineer at Alewijnse, the integration of HIL technology allows the company to validate energy management strategies and electrical configurations before they are physically installed onboard ships [1][3]. This virtual validation process significantly mitigates integration risks, lowers development costs, and shortens the overall time-to-market for eco-friendly vessels [GPT]. Furthermore, because both Alewijnse and the University of Twente utilize the Typhoon HIL platform, the partnership facilitates a seamless exchange of modeling knowledge and technical expertise [3].

Technical Rigor and Grid Stability

Within this simulated environment, Vuckovic’s research focuses specifically on system integration and the overall stability of power management systems (PMS) in a DC grid environment, which includes the real-time monitoring and regulation of voltage across onboard networks [1][3]. This work is integrated into Alewijnse’s broader research and development department, led by Mischa Habermehl [3][8]. This R&D team has historically integrated engineering graduates from the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and has now expanded to incorporate specialized students from the University of Twente’s Power Electronics group to tackle complex issues like electromagnetic interference (EMI), electrical machines, and battery storage [3][8].

Navigating the Clean Energy Transition

This collaborative innovation arrives at a critical juncture for the global shipping sector, as shipowners and shipyards increasingly explore hybrid and fully electrified propulsion systems [1]. Modern vessel designs are shifting toward multi-source energy architectures that combine traditional systems with batteries, fuel cells, biofuel cells, and other sustainable fuels [1]. To support this transition, Alewijnse is actively developing its own proprietary technologies, including advanced power conversion systems, DC grid architectures, and specialized energy management software designed to optimize energy distribution and flows onboard modern vessels [1][3].

Strategic Outlook for Sustainable Shipping

Ultimately, the joint team intends to scale this HIL testing framework to support the design of complete, zero-emission propulsion systems tailored for inland and coastal shipping vessels [8]. For Alewijnse, investing in these advanced simulation capabilities and collaborating with academic institutions is essential for maintaining market competitiveness, generating targeted technical insights, and attracting top-tier engineering talent [3]. As maritime stakeholders face tightening environmental deadlines, the integration of virtual testing environments provides a reliable, risk-reduced pathway toward achieving commercial-scale zero-emission transport [GPT].

Bronnen

Maritime Electrification Hardware-in-the-Loop