Thu 3 Apr 2014, 12:51 GMT

Fuel-saving rigid sail technology at Tokyo event


Shipping technology to be presented for the first time next week in Japan.



Eco Marine Power (EMP) says that it will be presenting for the first time a number of the technologies it is developing - including the Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) System - at Sea Japan 2014.

During the three-day event in Tokyo between the 9th-11th April, EMP says it will also outline its vision for the future development of sustainable shipping technologies, including wind and solar power solutions.

The Aquarius MRE System is a renewable energy solution for shipping that incorporates rigid sails, solar panels, energy storage modules and computer systems so that the power of the sun and wind can be harnessed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The rigid sails used by the Aquarius MRE System have been developed by EMP and are known as EnergySails. Each EnergySail can be fitted with a range of devices including flexible marine grade solar panels, safety interlocks, sensors and other equipment.

Each EnergySail is positioned automatically by the EnergySail Automated Control System (ACS) and a demonstration version of this computer system will be on display at Sea Japan. The EnergySail ACS can also be integrated with the Aquarius Management & Automation System (MAS) so that performance data can be displayed in real-time or recorded for later analysis.

At Sea Japan, EMP is also due to unveil its integrated system approach behind the Aquarius Eco Ship concept. The Aquarius Eco Ship concept is the result of a comprehensive study project which focussed on optimizing the design of a large ocean going ship such as a bulk carrier or oil tanker to harness the power of the wind and sun by using the Aquarius MRE System. This study was started in May 2011.

A test model of the Aquarius Eco Ship will be on display and EMP staff will be available at the event to explain the various technologies incorporated into this innovative design concept.

Commenting on Sea Japan, Greg Atkinson of EMP said: "This event will allow us to demonstrate the progress we have made during the past two of years and we will also be able to explain our integrated systems approach to reducing fuel consumption and emissions on ships. In addition Sea Japan will be the first time EMP has publicly displayed the technologies we are working on and we look forward to discussing these technologies with shipping companies and other interested parties at the event."

Together with KEI System, EMP will also be demonstrating the key features of the Aquarius MAS. This flexible and robust system can manage renewable energy systems on-board vessels plus monitor alarms, automate processes and track engine performance.

The EMP display will be located in the Environmental Protection area of the Themed Zone in the Japan Pavilion.


Graphic promoting Auramarine webinar titled 'Sustainable Fueling Part 3: Ammonia - next alternative fuel in marine'. Auramarine to host webinar on ammonia as marine fuel in April  

Finnish firm will explore ammonia’s role in maritime decarbonisation at its third spring webinar.

Front cover of study by WinGD and Envision Energy titled 'Renewable Fuel Economics: An OPEX illustration based on current costs'. Green ammonia could reach cost parity with VLSFO and LNG by 2050, study finds  

WinGD and Envision Energy study projects green ammonia operational costs competitive with conventional marine fuels.

Elenger Marine's LNG bunkering vessel Optimus alongside Brittany Ferries’ Saint-Malo. Bureau Veritas verifies methane emissions on Brittany Ferries’ LNG vessels  

Verification enables ferry operator to report measured methane slip instead of regulatory default values.

Map showing existing and planned Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Alliance calls for urgent black carbon action as new Arctic emission control areas take effect  

Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea ECAs now in force, with compliance deadline set for March 2027.

Artistic impression of battery-electric ferry for operation on Perth’s Swan River. Lloyd’s Register to class Western Australia’s first electric ferry fleet  

Echo Marine Group partners with Lloyd’s Register on five battery-electric ferries for Perth’s Swan River.

Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). ICS condemns Middle East shipping attacks as 20,000 seafarers remain trapped  

Industry body calls for urgent state action to resupply vessels and enable crew changes.

Molslinjen ferry illustration. Molslinjen order propels Australia to top of battery vessel production rankings  

Danish ferry operator’s three-catamaran order at Incat Tasmania shifts global manufacturing landscape, analysis shows.

Petrobras logo. Petrobras doubles invoiced price of MGO and LSMGO  

Export tax by Brazil's federal government forces Petrobras to double distillate invoice values.

Bunkering of Viking Line's Viking Glory by a Gasum vessel in Turku, Finland. Gasum renews FuelEU Maritime pooling partnerships with Viking Line and Wallenius SOL  

Nordic energy company extends compliance pooling arrangements with two shipping companies operating bio-LNG vessels.

Naming ceremony for CMA CGM Carmen on 18 March 2026. CMA CGM names methanol-powered container ship CMA CGM Carmen  

French shipping line christens 15,000-teu vessel as part of its alternative fuel fleet expansion.





 Recommended