Eco Marine Power (EMP) has a range of cutting edge solar-electric hybrid powered ferries, workboats and other vessel concepts. These designs incorporate a range of technologies including computer systems, flexible marine grade solar panels, energy storage modules, power management and hybrid propulsion.
Examples of these designs include the Eco Solar Commuter Ferry 'Medaka' and Solar-Electric Hybrid Ferry 'Tonbo'.
One of the features of these designs is a solar panel array which has been developed by EMP. This solar panel array has been specially designed to operate in a marine environment and will be constructed from materials that can be recycled.
Medaka Eco Solar Ferry by Eco Marine PowerThe vessel shown on the left is an eco-solar commuter ferry called the Medaka. This solar-electric powered vessel is being designed in several variations and will operate as an urban eco ferry and be able to carry between 100-150 passengers.
This unique ferry design will include highly efficient electric motors, generators, Lithium batteries and of course solar panels.
Eco Marine Power's vision is for the Medaka to provide a clean, cost-effective, low pollution and efficient form of water transport on urban waterways across the globe. It is a low emission water transport solution for modern low emission cities. The Medaka for example could be the marine equivalent of light rail and comfortably transport commuters as part of a small fleet. In cities such as Sydney or Hong Kong the Medaka would be the ideal water transport option for operators of ferries providing them with a cost effective, low emission solution that will not only benefit the environment but also reduce their operating costs.
The Medaka could also be configured to operate as a tourist vessel or even carry goods on bays, rivers or inland waterways.
A 50 passenger version of the Medaka is currently in the early stages of development.
Solar Ferry Tonbo by Eco Marine PowerOn the right is an impression of the Tonbo which will use an hybrid marine power or propulsion (HMP) system being developed by Eco Marine Power along with a number of technology partners.
The solar panel array on the Tonbo can be raised when the ship is loading or unloading passengers then put into a cruising position. The solar array or panels can also be lowered as shown so that the Tonbo can pass under bridges or other low obstacles.
Eco Marine Power itself is not a shipbuilder and therefore aims to work with companies who share our desire to make shipping greener in order to develop our design concepts further.
In addition to developing solar ferry concepts, Eco Marine Power is also working to develop renewable energy solutions for large ocean going ships and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV's).
At present EMP is looking for strategic partners to help commercialise it's design concepts and is seeking to work with shipyards, boatbuilders and sales channels/agents.
For more information on these designs please see our Research & Development section.