Eco Marine Power Inviting Partners to Join Its Eco Ship Project

Eco Marine Power (EMP), a Japanese technology specializing in fuel and emissions reduction technologies for shipping and offshore applications, has called other companies to join its low-emissions ship design initiative.

The Aquarius Eco Ship concept design is an ongoing comprehensive study project, launched in May 2011, which is focused on optimizing the design of a large ocean-going ship such as a bulk carrier, oil tanker, RoRo vessel or cruise ship, to harness the power of the wind & sun using Aquarius MRE (Marine Renewable Energy).

Aquarius MRE is a patented fuel saving and emission reduction system that incorporates elements such as solar panels, energy storage modules, computer control systems and an advanced rigid sail design known as the EnergySail.

Elements of Aquarius MRE have already been commercialized and it is expected that the expanded project will lead to further fuel and emission reduction solutions being introduced into the market.

A wide range of technologies is set to be studied within the concept including fuel cells, air lubrication systems & electrical propulsion.

The company is now inviting ship owners that are already indirectly connected to the project to participate more directly. EMP is also reaching out to equipment vendors, classification societies & shipyards.

“A primary aim of opening up and widening the Aquarius Eco Ship project is to help develop further, practical fuel and emission reduction technologies beyond our current focus on wind & solar power.

“We also wish to extend the project’s reach further beyond Japan and bring in additional investors so that we can help other start-ups in the maritime clean technology field,” Greg Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer at Eco Marine Power, commented.

The company said it would start to look for additional investors and strategic partners to help support sea trials and commercialize various technologies.

Companies already involved in the Aquarius Eco Ship Project include Teramoto Iron Works, The Furukawa Battery Company and KEI System.