IEEE Seminar on DC Electrified Marine Vessels by Dr. Ahmed Abdelhakim, Global Product Manager, Marine and Ports Division, ABB

Welcome to IEEE Seminar DC Electrified Marine Vessels: Enabling the Next Generation of Sustainable Maritime Transportation by Dr. Ahmed Abdelhakim, Global Product Manager,Marine and Ports Division, ABB The event is hosted by IEEE PES/PELS Joint chapter Sweden. Abstract: The maritime industry is undergoing a fundamental transition driven by increasingly stringent environmental regulations, decarbonization targets, and the rapid adoption of alternative energy sources. Electrification has emerged as a key enabler for improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational flexibility across a wide range of vessel types. This presentation provides an overview of DC-electrified marine vessels and the role of onboard DC distribution systems in enabling modern marine power and energy architectures. It discusses the evolution from conventional AC-based systems to DC-based platforms, highlighting the benefits of improved efficiency, fuel savings, seamless integration of renewable and alternative energy sources, energy storage systems, fuel cells, and advanced power management strategies. The presentation also explores practical implementation aspects, including system architecture, power conversion technologies, operational considerations, and real-world applications. Finally, it discusses future trends in marine electrification and the challenges and opportunities associated with accelerating the maritime industry's transition toward more sustainable and intelligent energy systems. Bio: Ahmed Abdelhakim, PhD, is a Global Product Manager at ABB's Marine & Ports Division, leading the Onboard DC Grid platform and supporting the advancement of next-generation marine electrification solutions. He received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Padova and has built a career spanning research, innovation, electrification, and global product leadership. Before joining ABB Marine & Ports, he held positions including Principal Scientist at ABB Corporate Research and Global Electrification Program Manager at Epiroc. His technical expertise covers power electronics, DC distribution systems, energy storage, hydrogen-based power systems, and marine energy systems. Dr. Abdelhakim is an IEEE Senior Member and an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications, contributed to multiple patents, and received the IEEE Outstanding Young Engineer Award (Sweden PES/PELS Chapter) for his contributions to advanced power conversion systems and industry leadership.