Poole to Host Hybrid Marine Power & Propulsion Conference

The first international Hybrid Marine Power & Propulsion Conference will be held at the RNLI Lifeboat College, Poole UK from 6 to 8 October 2015.

Shock Mitigation is bringing together an international group of experts, armed with the latest knowledge that will identify the potential of utilising hybrid power and innovative propulsion systems for vessels in the sub IMO / sub 24 metre professional sector.

Conference organiser and workshop lead for the Hybrid Marine events, John Haynes of Shock Mitigation, said: “Changes are coming fast in the sub IMO professional sector. Due to the range of technologies required boat builders, diesel engine OEMs and specialist component manufacturers now recognise that they need to work together to develop complete hybrid systems.”

The Hybrid Marine Conference’s attendees will include end-user organisations, military, boat owners, operators, boat builders, engine manufacturers, mechanical & electrical engineers and naval architects.

Break out sessions will focus on the latest diesel / electric systems for wind farm support vessels, pilot boats, patrol craft, survey vessels, superyacht tenders and unmanned craft. Boat builders in the leisure sector will also benefit from attending.

John Haynes added: “This is not just green energy for the sake of it! We are focussing on viable business cases for hybrid solutions. The Hour Of Power has been very well received by industry. This concept enables vessels to run in and out of port for an hour on battery power, then do their open sea work on diesel power. This reduces emissions, reduces diesel fuel consumption and extends maintenance periods.”

Lead sponsor of the Hybrid Marine Power & Propulsion Conference is US lithium ion battery manufacturer XALT Energy. Robert Young, Technical Lead for Marine Applications at XALT Energy will share expertise from other transport sectors to identify the potential of hybrid systems for the maritime industry worldwide.

John Haynes of Shock Mitigation highlighted the benefits of learning from other industries: “It is great to have XALT onboard for this landmark event. Their extensive knowledge from automotive and land based applications explains the capabilities of next generation hybrid technology and why the marine industry needs to move forward now. It also makes sense to bring in expertise from aviation and other sectors to drive this innovation and support relevant safety standards.”

Image: Shock Mitigation