As the maritime industry navigates toward a low- and zero-emission future, fleet operators are under increasing pressure to modernize. While new vessels are often built with hybrid or fully electric propulsion in mind, what about the thousands of ships already in operation? Upgrading existing fleets with hybrid propulsion technology offers a practical, cost-effective way to cut emissions, reduce fuel consumption, and improve operational efficiency — without starting from scratch.
SEAM’s hybrid solution is designed with this exact goal in mind: helping shipowners transform their existing vessels into cleaner, more efficient assets with future-ready technology.
As Maritime operators face stricter emissions targets from the IMO and EU, rising fuel costs, and growing scrutiny from cargo owners and the public. Hybrid systems help address all three. Hybrid propulsion is a smart response to regulatory, financial, and operational challenges.
By combining conventional diesel engines with battery-based electric propulsion, vessels can operate more efficiently across varying load profiles. For instance, during low-load operations,such as maneuvering in port or maintaining position offshore, vessels can rely on battery power alone, significantly cutting fuel use and emissions. When full propulsion is needed, hybrid systems allow for a smooth transition or power boost by combining both sources.
The benefits go beyond environmental compliance. Hybrid systems also reduce wear on diesel generators, extend maintenance intervals, and offer greater redundancy and reliability. All of this contributes to lower lifecycle costs and better vessel performance, even before considering the long-term savings from fuel efficiency.
SEAM has developed a hybrid system specifically designed for both retrofits and newbuilds. Built on a modular, scalable platform, their solution can be tailored to various vessel types, from ferries and offshore vessels to aquaculture and cargo ships.
At the heart of SEAM’s offering is their proprietary e-SEAMatic® Energy and Propulsion Management System. This intelligent platform acts as the brain of the hybrid system, managing energy flows between batteries, generators, and propulsion units in real time. It ensures optimal efficiency, smooth transitions, and safe operation, all while offering intuitive control and monitoring for the crew.
In practical terms, SEAM’s hybrid system enables vessels to reduce generator runtime through peak shaving, cover power dips with battery backup, and improve overall fuel economy. And because the system is designed to be flexible, it can be installed as a container-based retrofit or fully integrated into the vessel’s existing infrastructure. This minimizes downtime and simplifies the upgrade process, a crucial factor for busy operators.
Retrofitting an existing vessel isn’t always straightforward. Space, weight, and integration challenges are common, but they’re also manageable with the right expertise. SEAM’s hybrid systems are built with retrofit needs in mind. From modular switchboards to battery containers and dedicated drive systems, each component is engineered for safe and efficient installation in real-world maritime environments.
Their team supports every stage of the process, from feasibility studies and design to installation and commissioning. That includes selecting the right hybrid configuration, determining battery capacity based on vessel duty cycles, and ensuring compliance with DNV and other classification standards.
What’s more, SEAM’s hybrid systems are designed to be future-ready. That means owners who invest today are also laying the groundwork for alternative fuels and zero-emission operation down the line. Whether the long-term plan involves hydrogen, ammonia, or increased shore power usage, SEAM’s solution provides the flexibility to adapt.
Hybrid propulsion isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s one of the most practical steps available for decarbonizing maritime operations today. Unlike full electrification, which may require larger infrastructure changes and range sacrifices, hybrid systems offer immediate impact with manageable complexity.
They provide measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and fuel consumption, and they do so while enhancing safety and operational flexibility. For fleet operators facing tough decisions around aging vessels, tightening budgets, and sustainability targets, hybrid retrofits offer a clear, actionable path forward.
SEAM’s technology makes this transition both realistic and future-proof. Backed by years of maritime experience, robust control platforms, and a commitment to engineering excellence, SEAM helps shipowners upgrade not just their propulsion, but their entire approach to energy use.
