A Systematic collection and comparison of charging systems for battery-powered vessels

The rapid electrification of maritime transportation necessitates advanced charging systems capable of meeting the unique demands of battery-powered vessels.This research presents a comprehensive analysis of three promising megawatt-scale charging technologies currently being developed and deployed for maritime applications: the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) standards, the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), and the PAXOS Cool-Load Megawatt charging solution.The maritime sector faces distinct challenges in battery charging due to the large energy requirements, operational constraints, and safety considerations specific to marine environments.Through extensive literature review, technical data analysis, and case study examination, this thesis systematically compares these charging systems across multiple dimensions including power delivery capabilities, efficiency, safety features, ease of operation, scalability, and compatibility with existing vessel infrastructure.Initial findings indicate that while all three systems offer megawatt-scale charging capabilities critical for commercial maritime applications, they differ significantly in their technical approaches, connector designs, cooling methodologies, and maximum power ratings.The PAXOS system demonstrates exceptional power capacity of up to 12MW with 99.74% efficiency, while the MCS standard offers greater standardization potential across industries.The CharIN initiative provides crucial framework for integration of these technologies into global standards.This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on maritime electrification by providing a structured evaluation framework for charging technologies and offering insights into their potential applications across different vessel types and operational profiles.