Status and Future Trends of Electrification-Based Solutions for Efficiency-Oriented Ship Retrofitting

The development of retrofitting solutions to increase the fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability of vessels is a hot topic. In this area, technologies related to ship electrification play a key role. This paper presents a survey of two specific electrification technologies suitable for retrofitting in the maritime context that allow measurable improvements in design energy efficiency indices established by international standards bodies: the use of shipboard photovoltaic (PV) generators and the use of propulsion hybridization techniques. Both solutions are described, highlighting their advantages, technological challenges, and possible future developments.