Breakerless MVDC Power System Achieves ABS Concept Verification Milestone

(HOUSTON) ABS has recognized 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.

Designed for large commercial vessels requiring around 30 MWs of power, the system is intended to help owners maximize energy efficiency and enable high-capacity electrification as vessels grow larger and demand higher-power distribution. The breakerless MVDC architecture integrates advanced controls and fault-management capabilities to support safe, resilient power distribution.

“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,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

“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,” said Sang-Hyun Kim, Senior Vice President of the Electrification Center at HD KSOE.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →