EMP Aquarius MRE Prepares for Sea Trials
Eco Marine Power (EMP) has begun preparing for sea trials of its Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) solution in co-operation with strategic partners and ship owner Hisafuku Kisen K.K. of Onomichi, Japan.
This preparatory work will lead to the world’s first installation of an integrated rigid sail and solar power system for ships using EMP’s patented technologies including the EnergySail.
This is a major step forward towards a more sustainable future for shipping and is expected to result in the wider deployment of EMP’s solutions on ships ranging from coastal cargo vessels to bulk ore carriers and cruise ships.
Currently underway is a feasibility study involving several large bulk carriers including the Belgrano, Nord Gemini and Bulk Chile.
For each ship an estimate of the propulsive power that could be provided by an EnergySail array will be prepared according to the routes they operate on. In addition the total amount of solar power that could be installed on each vessel will be determined. On-board testing & data collection will be undertaken as required.
After the feasibility study is completed one ship will be selected for the sea trials phase. During this phase a trial configuration that will incorporate all the elements of Aquarius MRE will be installed and evaluated during a period of approximately 12 to 18 months.
A number of strategic partners are involved in the Aquarius MRE Project including KEI System Co. Ltd., The Furukawa Battery Company and Teramoto Iron Works Co. Ltd. EMP is also in discussions with several companies including potential investors, about their possible involvement in the project. Furthermore EMP is interested in hearing from other companies that may wish to be involved during the sea trials phase of the project.
