Details of a new Handymax bulker have been released by Eco Marine Power as part of an ongoing zero-emission ship design project. The vessel design concept features electric propulsion systems, fuel cells, energy saving devices and several renewable energy solutions.
Named the Aquarius Eco Handymax II, the design concept incorporates technologies which are either currently available or under development. Such systems include an integrated sail-assisted propulsion and solar power system known as Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (Aquarius MRE). The Handymax bulker also features energy saving devices such as an air lubrication system. The Aquarius MRE system received an Approval-In-Principle from ClassNK in 2021.
Eco Marine Power states that some of the technologies featured on the design concept will be installed for evaluation purposes on board a real-world Handymax bulker vessel this year and that as the project develops, further technologies will be deployed.
“The Aquarius Eco Handymax is the result of years of research and development including shore-based and ship-based trials,” commented Greg Atkinson, president and chief technology officer, Eco Marine Power. The design focus is not on any one solution or technology however, but rather how various alternative power sources and energy saving devices can work together to achieve the zero emissions operation of a large ship.”
Several companies are cooperating on the R&D of the Aquarius Eco Handymax II within the framework of the Eco Marine Power Research Institute. Additional companies are expected to join the project throughout 2022.