2012 Leading Edge Green Vessels

Increasing fuel prices and environmental concerns have been stressing the importance for the marine industry to direct its efforts towards the design and operation of vessels which minimize the environmental impact.

Featuring originality and innovation, highly advanced technology is becoming more environmentally-friendly thus green shipping activities will reach its maximum of development with the launch of new vessels and technology.

The newbuildmg market has rendered a new dimension in which novel and fresh ideas and designs of green ships will be flourishing in 2012. Here are some of the leading edge projects:

The dry bulk cargo vessel Aghia Marina, 170 meters long and with 28.500 dwt, will soon account for the largest vessel equipped with a 320 square meter SkySail. The wind propulsion technology, designed by the Hamburg-based company SkySails GmbH, will be installed in the first quarter of 2012 under an agreement signed by Cargill, a global transporter of agricultural, energy and industrial commodities, and the Greek Anbros Maritime S.A., owner of the Aghia Marina.

The SkySails propulsion system, which will be installed on the Aghia Marina for the next five years, is a considerably attractive technology designed to reduce operating costs and emissions. It can reduce shipborne CO2 emissions and lower the output of pollutants such as sulfur and nitrogen oxides. It is estimated that approximately 100 million tons of climate-damaging carbon emissions can be removed each year.

The SkySails system comprises large, dynamically flying towing kites, which generate up to 25 times more energy per square meter compared to ordinary sails propulsion systems. In case of any crisis, the SkySail innovation can be successfully managed from the corresponding SkySail control room.

Aura II is a multi-purpose dry cargo vessel currently undergoing construction in the STX Finland Shipyard in Turku, Finland. The vessel has been designed to run on both marine diesel oil (MDO) and liquid bio-fuel (LBF). She will be powered by three Wärtsilä 6L20 main generating sets, fit to operate on various types of liquid bio-fuels (LBF). This installation will be recorded in a European commercial shipping operation as the first one of such kind permanently using LBF as fuel.

The 105 meters long with 4350 dwt vessel is due to be delivered in spring 2012. Aura II will account for a multi-purpose dry cargo vessel that can also be used for oil recovery operations in the Baltic Sea. Constructed for the transport of heavy modules to the offshore industry in the North Sea basin, the vessel can operate as a deck carrier or as a container carrier.

Ireland-based B9 Shipping is developing commercially viable carbon neutral coastal vessels scheduled to be launched in the mid of 2012. Controlled from the bridge, B9 shipping sail propulsion vessel will be provided with 60% of the power from wind and the rest will be generated by ancillary engines powered by waste derived bio-gas.

Canada’s University of Victoria is further developing green ship technology by converting Tsekoa II into the world’s first plug-in vessel. The vessel will be powered by electricity, hydrogen fuel cells and low-emission diesel fuel. Designed for the shipping of sea freight in a more environmentally sustainable manner, this innovative design is expected to come in service by late 2012.

Tonbo-hybrid vessel, a cutting edge solar ferry, will incorporate the latest green and eco-friendly marine technologies. The Tonbo solar vessel will be using the latest Lithium battery technology. Charging of these batteries will be enabled by utilizing the innovative solar panel system mounted on the roof or by consuming shore power. An on-board low emission generator will ensure a back-up means to recharge the batteries if needed. This revolutionary vessel design is set to be launched in late 2012.

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World Maritime News Staff, January 23, 2012