Eco Marine Power News

As part of its ongoing Aquarius Eco Ship Project, Eco Marine Power and Nakashima Propeller will explore the further use of carbo-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) for ship structures and other maritime applications.Eco Marine Power will also investigate the use of CFRP propellers to improve energy efficiency and reduce underwater noise created by ship propulsion systems.CFRP & GFRP are composite materials that can offer a versatile and efficient solution for a range of ship structures by providing a balance of strength…

A "major shipping company" based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Eco Marine Power Co., Ltd. (EMP) of Japan have agreed to undertake a joint Eco Ship technical study related to renewable energy solutions for ships including Aquarius Marine Solar Power, EnergySail and Aquarius MRE, according to EMP. The study will also include investigating innovative methods to improve energy efficiency onboard ships via the use of energy saving devices including propeller modifications and the use of more energy efficient electrical devices.Additionally…

The global push for decarbonization in the transport sector has predictably inspired a wave of new designs for the shipping sector, including a new 'Zero-Emission Handymax Bulker' design from the hands of Eco Marine Power, a design that incorporates renewable energy solutions, electric propulsion and fuel cells.The ship design concept is known as the Aquarius Eco Handymax II and all the technologies currently encompassed in the design are either currently available or under-development.The…

While the maritime industry faces a long ‘to do’ list for the coming three decades, Hiroaki Sakashita, CEO, ClassNK, sees decarbonization as the definitive trend that will most dramatically impact the design, construction and life-cycle operation of ships.“It is decarbonization.”Hiroaki Sakashita, CEO, ClassNK, is definitive when asked to discuss the biggest challenge facing shipowners today. “Decarbonization will change the structure of seaborne trade, ships’ specification and design, ships’ operation, and the economic mechanism of maritime transportation.

Classification society ClassNK said it has issued an approval in principle (AIP) to Eco Marine Power for the development of a renewable energy system for ships, Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy with EnergySail.New technologies are increasingly being introduced toward the goal of decarbonizing the global shipping industry in line with the IMO's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping and to phasing them out as soon as possible. The Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy with EnergySail system utilizes a combination of renewable energy…

Japanese technology company Eco Marine Power (EMP) has announced that the EnergySail, a sail-assisted propulsion and solar power device for ships, is ready for demonstration and evaluation testing in Japan.EnergySail, which is unveiled at the Onomichi Marine Tech Test Centre (MTTC) in Japan, is an upgrade of the pre-production unit and represents one of the smaller types of EnergySail that will be put into commercial service.It was manufactured by EMP’s strategic partner Teramoto Iron Works Co., Ltd. and will be used for demonstrations for potential customers and during preparations for sea trials.The patented EnergySail can be fitted…

Japanese  marine renewable energy technology company Eco Marine Power (EMP) has  taken another step forward towards creating its multi-vendor platform for onboard ship systems by completing the integration of its Aquarius Management & Automation System (MAS) with the onboard fuel monitoring system installed on the large general cargo ship, MV Panamana, owned by Singaporean carrier Masterbulk."This world first was achieved in cooperation with KEI System Co. Ltd. (Japan) and Hoppe Marine GmbH (Germany) with additional technical services provided by Zeaborn Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., who were responsible for technical ship management and crewing…

Japan-based Eco Marine Power (EMP), a company develops and markets renewable energy based systems for ships and other vessels, has applauded the recently announced introduction of the Poseidon Principles – a global framework for assessing and disclosing the climate alignment of financial institutions’ shipping portfolios.EMP said that these principles will also have a strong emphasis on zero emissions and EMP’s renewable energy solutions and design concepts are ideally suited to meet this challenge.EMP’s Aquarius Marine Solar Power for example is available now and was recently installed on a large cargo ship. This solar power system…

The marine renewable energy technology company Eco Marine Power (EMP) announced that its Aquarius MAS + Solar solution has been installed on the large general cargo ship MV Panamana.The  Japan-based EMP said in a press release that this installation was carried out by the ship’s crew with remote support provided by Zeaborn Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and EMP from Japan.Over the next few weeks the solar power equipment will be integrated with EMP’s Aquarius Management & Automation System (MAS) and then put into service.MV Panamana is a 54, 694 metric tonne (MT) open hatch general cargo/container carrier with 2 x 70 MT gantry cranes. The ship is owned by Masterbulk Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) and was built by Oshima Shipbuilding Co.

Japanese marine renewable energy technology compan Eco Marine Power (EMP) is conducting an evaluation trial using the MgBOX fuel cell or air battery in co-operation with Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd. (Furukawa Battery) and several ship owners.These trials will help determine how this innovative emergency battery can be best stored and used on ships. Once this work is completed it is planned to make the MgBOX available for use worldwide on a variety of vessels, offshore platforms & other marine applications.The MgBOX is a small and portable emergency magnesium (Mg) air battery developed by Furukawa Battery. The MgBOX can be stored for long periods and is activated by simply adding fresh or salt water.

Japanese technology company Eco Marine Power (EMP) has joined forces with Singapore shipping company Masterbulk for the world-first Installation of class-approved UltraBattery (UB) onboard ship.A joint press release announced that the UB battery pack manufactured by the Furukawa Battery Company (Furukawa Battery) has been installed on the large general cargo ship – MV Panamana.This battery pack will later form part of an Aquarius Marine Solar Power solution developed by EMP and be evaluated jointly with Masterbulk and ZEABORN Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.The battery pack installed on the ship incorporates class-approved UB-50-12 Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries along with an easy to install marine-grade battery frame kit.

In another significant move towards commercial release of the EnergySail, Eco Marine Power (EMP) announced that it has begun collaboration with ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) to confirm design requirements and issues related to sea trials.According to a press release from the renewable energy tech company, the goal is to pave the way to the full commercial production of the EnergySail and thus complete the preparation of technologies required for the release of EMP’s Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy or Aquarius MRE solution.The patented Aquarius MRE is an advanced integrated system of rigid sails, marine-grade solar panels, energy storage modules, charging system and marine computers that will enable ships to tap into renewable energy by harnessing the power provided by the wind and sun.

IMO’s 2050 deadline to reduce GHG emissions 50% from 2008 levels has set off a gold rush to develop Zero Emissions SolutionsClimate change is the biggest issue facing [all aspects of] the maritime industry, said Kitak Lim, IMO secretary general, in an interview earlier this year with Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. He predicted that shipping could experience as much change in the next 10 to 20 years as it has in the last 100 years, as the industry races to meet a number of challenges…

As part of the ongoing strategy to prepare its EnergySail and Aquarius MRE for commercial release, Eco Marine Power (EMP) unveiled further details of its automated control and monitoring systems. These will enable EMP’s technologies to integrate with existing ship-based systems. This will facilitate the seamless operation between EMP's renewable energy platforms with other equipment on ships including fuel flow meters.Three marine computer systems jointly developed with KEI System Ltd will be integrated to provide a robust…

In cooperation with its strategic partners Furukawa Battery and Teramoto Iron Works, Eco Marine Power (EMP) has announced the release of two UB-50-12 hybrid battery packs for ship, offshore and land-based renewable energy projects. These safe, reliable and recyclable battery packs will be available in 2.4kWh and 3.6kWh configurations. Multiple battery packs can be installed together to provide the amount of energy storage needed from small scale installations to larger energy storage projects.

Eco Marine Power (EMP) announce that it will exhibit for the first time a working prototype of its EnergySail technology and the automated control system at  Sea Japan in Tokyo. This laboratory prototype will be exhibited along with several associated technologies including an energy storage solution and flexible marine grade photovoltaic panels. The patented EnergySail is a rigid sail device developed by EMP that will allow ships to harness the power of the wind and sun in order to reduce fuel costs plus lower noxious gas and carbon emissions. The EnergySail is unlike any other sail and can be used even when a ship is at anchor or in port. EMP announced earlier this year that sea trials of its EnergySail technology will commence during 2018.

As part of its continued focus on bringing renewable energy solutions to shipping, Eco Marine Power (EMP) has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Star Bulk S.A. (Star Bulk) covering a joint study project focused on the feasibility of using EMP’s technologies on existing and new bulk carriers. The joint study between Star Bulk and EMP will cover engineering issues related to how various equipment including solar panels, batteries and other devices can be installed on existing and new ships.

To further enhance its research capabilities Eco Marine Power announced today that it will begin using the Neural Network Console provided by Sony Network Communications Inc., as part of a strategy to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various ongoing ship related technology projects including the further development of the patented Aquarius MRE (Marine Renewable Energy) and EnergySail. The Neural Network Console is an integrated development environment using deep learning for AI creation and has been used in deep learning applied technology development within Sony since 2015. Various functions are included such as recognition technology and a full-fledged GUI (graphical user interface) and these allow for deep learning programs to be developed.

In co-operation with several shipping companies and technology partners, Eco Marine Power (EMP)has begun a detailed study focused on the practical applications of its patented EnergySail and Aquarius MRE technologies. The study will cover the engineering aspects of installing an EnergySail or Aquarius MRE based solution on a variety of ships and the expected Fuel Oil Consumption (FOC) and CO2 savings that can be achieved in an operational environment. Energy storage options will also be studied including the possible use of fuel cells. Technology partners currently involved in the study with EMP include Teramoto Iron Works Co., Ltd. (Onomichi, Japan), KEI System Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) and The Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd. (Yokohama, Japan).

Eco Marine Power (EMP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Singapore based shipping company to supply its Aquarius Management and Automation (MAS) + Solar solution. The solution will also include hardware and software that will allow ships to monitor fuel oil consumption in real time, automatically calculate NOx/SOx/CO2 emissions and interface with marine solar power systems. Initially one ship in the fleet will be installed with the Aquarius MAS + Solar solution and its performance jointly evaluated.

Eco Marine Power (EMP) has begun preparing for sea trials of its Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) solution in co-operation with strategic partners and ship owner Hisafuku Kisen K.K. of Onomichi, Japan. This preparatory work will lead to the world’s first installation of an integrated rigid sail and solar power system for ships using EMP’s patented technologies including the EnergySail. This is a major step forward towards a more sustainable future for shipping and is expected to result in the wider deployment of EMP’s solutions on ships ranging from coastal cargo vessels to bulk ore carriers and cruise ships. Currently underway is a feasibility study involving several large bulk carriers including the Belgrano, Nord Gemini and Bulk Chile.

As part of the ongoing Blue Star Delos Renewable Energy Innovation Project, Eco Marine Power (EMP) stated that the Aquarius Management & Automation System (MAS) installed on Blue Star Delos has been updated with new fuel oil consumption (FOC) and emissions monitoring software. This updated software combined with the Aquarius MAS hardware allows for fuel consumption data from all flow meters on the ship to be displayed and logged in real-time. In addition CO2, NOx and SOx emissions are calculated based on the fuel type being used. Data is logged every minute and via a connection to a dedicated GPS unit, the ships location and speed is displayed and logged. A trip-meter is also available so that fuel consumption can be monitored for a specific time period or voyage.

The Japan Patent Office has granted a patent to Eco Marine Power (EMP) for its innovative EnergySail technology, an advanced rigid sail device that can be fitted with a range of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or wind power devices. With the patent in place, EMP can now begin licensing the technology to proceed so that commercial production of the sail and associated technologies can begin in 2018. A unique renewable energy platform, EnergySail has been designed specifically…