A new ship sailing technology developed by Eco Marine Power (EMP) in Japan, has successfully cleared a series of function tests carried out at the Aquarius Innovation Lab in Osaka, Japan.
The patent-pending EnergySail, which can be used as stand-alone device or in group of eight, serves as a renewable energy platform that uses wind and sun power to sail the ship.
The lab tests were carried out in collaboration with the Japan Ship Machinery & Equipment Association (JSMEA) and resulted in the addition of new features into the design of EnergySail that include a device to protect it from strong wind currents.
The testing also helped to confirm the control algorithms of the device, which will be used to completely automate the operation through a computer control system that is being developed jointly by EMP and KEI System of Osaka, Japan.
EMP director Greg Atkinson said they are pleased with the test results, which appear to back up the company's design and device decisions.
"We have also been encouraged by some very positive feedback that we have received from a number of shipping companies and the increasing interest from companies and organisations around the world in the technologies we are developing," Atkinson said.
The company will now perform sea trails on the system before the commercial production begins.
EMP will also deploy the Aquarius MRE System that will use a group of EnergySail to reduce fuel consumption on ships such as passenger ferries, cruise ships, bulk ore carriers and oil tankers.
Image: The Eco Marine Power's EnergySail system has passed function tests. Photo: courtesy of Eco Marine Power.