Eco Marine Power (EMP), based in Fukuoka, Japan, has commenced a study to investigate how its Aquarius wind and solar marine power system could be incorporated into a future eco ship specifically designed to minimise fuel consumption and reduce noxious gas emissions. The aim will be to further expand on the company's green shipping concepts and provide a roadmap towards a green energy propulsion system for ships that utilise a range of wind and solar power technologies.
The eco ship study will also consider how technology being developed for the Tonbo solar hybrid marine power (HMP) vessel and Medaka eco solar ferry could be incorporated into a large ship design.
The Aquarius System, which is currently being developed by Eco Marine Power, is designed to provide ship owners and shipping lines with a cost effective way to tap into the limitless energy provided by the sun and wind. The system uses an array of rigid but movable sails to collect wind and solar energy, which are positioned by a computer system taking into account such things as the speed of the ship and prevailing weather conditions. The system can even be used while a ship is at anchor or in harbour.
EMP believes the Aquarius System will play an important role as world shipping prepares to deal with a range of emission reduction targets. EMP will also seek to work with other companies during the study to investigate how various wind and solar marine power technologies could possibly be integrated into a single automated system.
The initial results of the study are expected to be available in late 2011.
