Overview
While AC charging offers flexibility and builds on established shore power standards, it requires additional onboard equipment and increased vessel-side investment. DC charging, by contrast, shifts more complexity shoreside and reduces onboard hardware, creating a pathway toward standardized infrastructure that can serve multiple vessels and even heavy-duty land applications in port environments.
The article also highlights the growing relevance of Combined Charging System (CCS) and Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standards within maritime applications. As charging demands increase beyond the limits of traditional systems, megawatt-level solutions are emerging as a practical and scalable option for next-generation electric vessels.
Through work in MCS standardization and global interoperability efforts, CharIN is actively supporting the framework that can enable marine electrification at scale.
“It is possible for the maritime industry to repeat the AC shore power success stories for DC charging as well, but there’s work that needs to be done.”Sveinung Odegard
What is MCS and why it matters for the marine industry
The Megawatt Charging System (MCS), driven by CharIN and formalized through IEC TS 63379, defines the hardware framework for conductive DC charging at megawatt power levels, supporting up to 1,500 V DC and currents up to 3,000 A. Originally developed to meet the needs of heavy-duty transport, MCS is increasingly relevant for maritime applications where high energy throughput, shorter charging windows, and operational reliability are essential.
By aligning marine charging infrastructure with globally recognized standards, ports and vessel operators can ensure interoperability, future-proof investment decisions, and cross-sector integration with heavy-duty and industrial electrification.
Official publication of IEC TS 63379: A game-changer for Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standardization
Members of CharIN have contributed to the development of this specification from within the organization, helping to shape the standards that will drive the future of high-power charging.
Electrification of the marine sector
CharIN aims to accelerate electrification in the marine industry, focusing on sustainable solutions that enable rapid, high-power charging for vessels, contributing to a greener and more efficient marine sector.
The transition from pilot projects to scalable, standardized marine electrification is underway. As AC and DC approaches continue to evolve, industry alignment around interoperable megawatt charging will be critical to enabling zero-emission vessels across global waterways.
As a global leader in charging standardization and interoperability, CharIN remains committed to advancing solutions that connect maritime electrification with broader heavy-duty and industrial charging frameworks.
Sveinung Odegard. “Op-Ed: AC or DC Charging for Marine Vessels.” Marine Log, February 10, 2026.
https://www.marinelog.com/views/op-eds/op-ed-ac-or-dc-charging-for-marine-vesse
News Info
Published on: 02/26/2026
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