Less Fossil Fuels, Less Emissions - A Cleaner Future for Shipping
The world's merchant fleet consists of around 100,000 ships and these are estimated to consume 250 million tonnes of bunker fuel annually. Just one Capesize Bulk Carrier or Bulker can use 40 metric tonnes or fuel or more a day leading to an annual fuel consumption of approximately 10,400 tonnes. This results in the emission of around 32,988 tonnes of CO2 and 959 tonnes of SOx or more. This is just from one ship.
Globally....
- 90% of world trade by volume is carried by shipping.
- Shipping uses around 140 million tonnes of oil a year.
- Carbon dioxide emissions from shipping is estimated to be 4%-5% of the global total created by human activity.
- Global shipping activity is a significant source of sulphur oxide (SOx) & nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
- Shipping is a major source of airborne pollution over land especially around ports and coastal areas.
Clearly there is an opportunity to reduce airborne pollution (including particulate matter) carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption on a global scale and Eco Marine Power is working to develop renewable energy solutions that will lead to a more sustainable shipping future.
By embracing sustainable shipping - ship owners, shipyards and companies that move goods by sea can make a real impact in terms of protecting the environment & reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Our vision at Eco Marine Power of sustainable shipping is that in the not too distant future, emission-free sources of energy including solar & wind power will be used on-board ships of all sizes across the globe.
Impression of EnergySail on Aquarius Eco Ship
That's why we have developed the Aquarius MRE System - a revolutionary wind & solar power solution for shipping that will slash fuel consumption plus reduce carbon and noxious gas emissions.
This unique system will not only benefit ship owners & shipping companies because it will lower their operating costs, but it will also deliver health benefits to millions of people across the planet by reducing air pollution.
Depending on the size, type and operating profile of a ship, the Aquarius MRE System will reduce fuel consumption from 10-40%. As future variations of the system are developed and it is combined with other fuel savings technologies this figure will increase.
At the core of the system is the patent pending EnergySail - a rigid sail designed by Eco Marine Power which will allow ships to tap into the power of the sun and wind.
The EnergySail can be used as a stand-alone unit or be installed as part of an array as shown. This innovative device can also be
EnergySail Computer System used by a wide range of vessels including large oil tankers, cargo carriers, passenger ferries, coastguard ships & even naval vessels.
The Aquarius Eco Ship is just one example of how renewable energy & fuel reduction technologies can work together to make sustainable shipping a reality. We are also working with the shipping industry to develop other design concepts covering everything from fishing boats to unmanned surface vessels.
We also work with our strategic partners to offer a range of technologies including computer systems to log ship's performance data, advanced energy storage solutions, marine grade flexible solar panels and hybrid propulsion.
In just a few years our company has become one of the world's leading innovators in the field of marine renewable energy solutions and Eco Marine Power has been nominated for several international awards. We hope others share our enthusiasm because together, we can make a difference!
References: Global Trade and Fuels Assessment— Additional ECA Modelling Scenarios. EPA May 2009.
EnergySail & Aquarius MRE System are trademarks of Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd.
Further Reading: A Greener Marine Future Green Shipping Aquarius MRE System FAQ
