A list of questions commonly asked about Eco Marine Power, wind & solar power for ships, marine renewable energy, ship solar power, rigid sails and hybrid marine power.
What does Eco Marine Power do?
Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. (EMP) is an internationally focused technology company that develops renewable energy based fuel saving and emission reduction solutions for ships including passenger ferries, survey ships, oil tankers, bulk carriers and cargo vessels. These technologies include the patented EnergySail®, Aquarius MAS and the patented Aquarius MRE®.
EMP also develops sustainable ship concepts that incorporate the latest renewable energy technologies and is currently working on a number of design projects including Aquarius Eco Ship and Aquarius Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The company is based in Fukuoka, Japan. To read more about what EMP does please see our Company Profile.
Where is Eco Marine Power located?
Our main office is Fukuoka, Japan. Our office address and contact details can be found here.
Is Eco Marine Power seeking investors?
Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. is a privately held company in Japan and is interested in talking with institutions, companies and possible strategic partners about how they could invest in the future of marine renewable energy technology. Please see our Investor Information section for more details.
Do you only develop solutions for Japan?
No. Eco Marine Power is a globally focused company and we develop solutions to help make world shipping greener. Our working language is English. (but feel free to send us a message in Japanese!)
What is Aquarius MRE?
Aquarius MRE (Marine Renewable Energy) is a ship based wind and solar power solution being developed by Eco Marine Power and its development partners. For more information please see the Aquarius System page.
Is wind power really a viable option on-board large modern ships?
Wind power was used for many centuries to move ships across the oceans but the arrival of the steamship heralded the end of the golden age of the sailing ship. However today technology like Aquarius MRE provide the means to once again use sails on modern ships in a safe and cost effective manner. You can read more about this topic in Wind and Solar Power for Ships.
How is solar power used on ships and other vessels?
Solar power is used as a means to charge marine batteries on-board vessels or is fed into a ship's power supply system. This helps reduce fuel consumption and in some cases vessels can cruise solely via the power collected from the solar panels. Remember it isn't just the reduced fuel consumption on a ship that helps the environment, but also the energy and resources saved during the whole process of getting fossil fuel to the pier or wharf. Moving less fuel across the globe also saves fuel and reduces pollution. For more information about using solar power on ships please see: Aquarius Marine Solar Power. Solar power or marine solar power can also be an important source of emergency power on a ship and be used to recharge batteries connected to emergency lighting.
Do your designs incorporate biofuel motors etc?
Yes, where possible we try to include biofuels generators or engines into our designs especially when the biofuel can be obtained in such a way as not to impact the production of food crops. (by using for example rice or barley straw)
What is hybrid marine power?
Hybrid marine power (HMP) simply means a power system on-board a ship, ferry or other vessel that obtains energy from more than once source. Please see our HMP section for more information.
Is Eco Marine Power a ship builder?
No, our company does not build ships. We work on concept designs & develop technologies that include renewable energy and hybrid marine power then seek to work with shipyards to deliver cutting-edge eco friendly ships.
What is the Tonbo Solar Hybrid Ferry?
The Tonbo Solar-Electric Hybrid Ferry is a cutting-edge solar ship concept being developed by Eco Marine Power. This eco ferry design will bring together a range of energy saving and emission reduction technologies so that the Tonbo can operate in harmony with the natural environment. For more information about this exciting design project please see the Tonbo HMP Vessel homepage.
Do the rigid sails used by Aquarius MRE use wind energy and collect solar energy as well?
The rigid sails designed by Eco Marine Power will help move a ship by using the available wind plus they may collect solar energy during the day if solar panels are fitted. The rigid sail technology developed by EMP is called the EnergySail.
What happens to the EnergySail used by the Aquarius MRE when there is a storm or very strong winds?
The EnergySail is automatically lowered by the computer control system when strong winds are present. The EnergySail can also be lowered by the crew by using a control panel located on the bridge or elsewhere on the ship.
What is a rigid sail? Does it mean the sail does not move?
A rigid sail is simply a sail that does not use a flexible material like cloth to harness the power of the wind. A rigid sail for example could be made out of marine grade aluminium or a carbon fibre composite material. They can also be lowered and stored when a ship is loading/unloading or during storms.
Why should shipping companies,ferry operators and even navies use wind and solar power?
Firstly wind and solar power used onboard ships reduces the use of fossil fuels and this results in less air pollution. So simply put, wind and solar power are better for the environment compared to oil, diesel fuel or LNG etc. Secondly, less fuel used means reduced operating costs for the owner or operator of ship or boat. In addition passenger ferries can operate in all-electric (eco) mode and this increases passenger comfort since electric motors are much quieter than diesel engines. There are many also more benefits and we would be quite happy to explain these in more detail to ship builders, designers, owners and operators.
What other products or services does your company have?
We offer a range of products and services including marine batteries, PV systems for ships, data logging marine computer systems and consulting services. For further details please follow this link.
Why not just put big sails on a ship?
Very large sails on a ship can cause big problems just as they did during the age of the sailing ship. Our aim is to use wind power (and solar energy) to supplement a ship's propulsion system in a cost effective way so that the safety of the crew and vessel is not compromised.
I have a media enquiry, who should I contact?
Please use our online enquiry form for any media enquiries or contact our office in Fukuoka.
Can I use pictures from this site in an article I am writing?
Please contact us if you wish to use images or content from this site. All images, pictures & content on this site remain the property of Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd.
Other FAQ's
Aquarius MRE and EnergySail FAQ
Marine Solar Power Solutions FAQ
Marine Batteries and Ship Batteries FAQ
Please note: Aquarius MRE, Aquarius USV, Aquarius MAS, EnergySail, Aquarius Eco Ship and Eco Marine Power logo are trademarks of Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd.
