Eco-concept ship formally unveiled
Aquarius Eco Ship
Eco Marine Power (EMP) has unveiled its concept design incorporating its Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) system. The concept is known as the Aquarius Eco Ship, and is intended to help sustainability in shipping.
The Aquarius Eco Ship is the result of a comprehensive study project which focused on optimising the design of a large ocean going ship such as a bulk carrier or oil tanker to harness the power of the wind & sun by using the Aquarius MRE System. The Aquarius MRE System is described as fuel saving and emission reduction technology incorporating elements including solar panels, energy storage modules, computer control system and rigid sails. This green shipping focused solution has been designed to be flexible and configurable so that it can applied to a variety of ship sizes and types, including bulk carriers, oil tankers, survey ships, passenger ferries and unmanned surface vessels.
EMP adds that future Aquarius Eco Ships could incorporate other fuel saving measures such as an advanced electrical propulsion system, optimised hull design and waste heat recovery technologies. The company says that this combination of technologies could lead to fuel savings of 40% or more and reduce Sox and NOx emissions, while the use of renewable energy would reduce the vessel’s carbon footprint. An Aquarius Eco Ship could include solar panels for 1MW or larger, and enough energy storage modules so that the ship would not need to use auxiliary diesel generators in port. These energy storage modules could be charged via the solar panels or by the ship’s main generators.
EMP says it is seeking to work with a shipyard or shipping company and investment partners in order to further develop the Aquarius Eco Ship concept. It is anticipated that this work will lead to the development of further design concepts and patent applications, and to produce a commercial version of the system.
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