Renewable energy firm prepares solar sail test for bulk ships

Fukuoka, Japan-based Eco Marine Power is preparing for sea trials of solar panels which it has designed in the form of multiple rigid sails to be placed topside on bulk vessels.    Fukuoka, Japan-based renewable energy firm Eco Marine Power is preparing for sea trials of electricity-generating solar panels which it has designed in the form of multiple rigid sails to be placed topside on bulk vessels, the company said in a statement.
   For this project, called the Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy solution, the company is currently conducting a feasibility study with Japanese shipowner Hisafuku Kisen K.K. and plans to outfit one of several large bulk ships, namely the Belgrano, Nord Gemini or Bulk Chile, with its EnergySail concept for the sea trails.
   Once it determines which ship to use, “all the elements of Aquarius MRE will be installed and evaluated during a period of approximately 12 to 18 months,” Eco Marine said.
   In addition to Hisafuku, other partners involved in the Aquarius MRE project include KEI System Co. Ltd., The Furukawa Battery Co., and Teramoto Iron Works Co. Ltd. Eco Marine said it’s also in discussions with several other companies, including potential investors, about their interest in the project.
   Eco Marine described Aquarius MRE as an “advanced integrated system of rigid sails, marine-grade solar panels, energy storage modules and marine computers that will enable ships to tap into renewable energy by harnessing the power provided by the wind and sun.” 
   The company said the system will significantly reduce fuel consumption and lower vessel emissions, and can even be used when a ship is at anchor or in port.