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.
The Aquarius System will play an important role as world shipping prepares to deal with a range of emission reduction targets. The system will also help drive the future of green shipping and raise awareness across the shipping sector that by using wind & solar power on-board ships, shipping companies can make their operations more environmentally friendly and reduce operating costs.
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 in in late 2011.