WWL offers grants to zero-emission tech developers
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics said it will award $100,000 in grants this year to entrepreneurs working on zero-emissions technologies for shipping and port logistics.
WWL has also expanded the eligibility criteria for its so-called Orcelle Grants, to include alternative energy sources and energy-efficient technologies with applications for commercial shipping and terminal operations.
The grants reflect WWL's own research and development into the E/S Orcelle, a zero-emissions concept vessel, and the Castor Green Terminal, a zero-emissions terminal and cargo processing center.
'WWL is focused on supporting early-stage innovation with serious prospects for long-term marketability,' said Melanie Moore, vice president of environment at WWL, in a statement on Wednesday. 'The Orcelle Grants are a commitment to entrepreneurship, but also the future of WWL and our customers. Our goal is to provide funding that will help us realize our ambition of a zero emissions supply chain, and sooner rather than later.'
The winner of the 2010 Orcelle Grant was Marcello Segato of Milan-based Seagate Commercial Marine. 'As an Orcelle Grant recipient, I was also provided data needed (actual wind/sea conditions collected on real vessels on real routes) to calculate reliable estimations of the savings involved with our technology. We are very excited to complete the development and have the first applications installed on real vessels this year,' he said.
Applications are available online and welcome worldwide from individual inventors, entrepreneurs and technology developers, WWL said. The deadline for submitting applications is March 21. Winners will be announced in April.