Trends in ship electric propulsion

Abstract

Since the 1980s there has been an explosion in the number and variety of electric propulsion ships being built around the world with everything from cruise liners to amphibious assault ships adopting electric propulsion. This technology revolution has occurred, largely un-noticed outside the marine industry. This paper briefly describes what has transpired in recent decades, why the resurgence is occurring and what the future may hold for electrically propelled ships.