Published on Wednesday, Feb 1 2012 by John Woods
Solar energy innovations could help the shipping industry be more environmentally friendly, a new article suggests.
The Solar Eagle and its sister vessels, which operate in Hong Kong, are thought to be the first fleet of hybrid-powered ferries. The boats are used to ferry golfers between the islands off Hong Kong. Experts say that the vessels could be used to prove that green technology works and can be scaled up commercially for the marine travel industry.
The technology, which is similar to that used in hybrid cars, has been developed by an Australian company called Solar Sailor. It uses electricity which is generated by
solar panels and stored in batteries. When more speed is required out on the water, diesel is used.
One of the ships, the Solar Albatross, has two sails which are covered in solar panels and can harness energy from both the sun and the wind for greener sailing.
Robert Dane, Solar Sailor's founder, is quoted by the BBC as saying that as well as being greener, solar energy will be of interest to ship-owners as it will also save them money in fuel costs. He said the potential for the technology is significant and it could be used on small ferries, luxury yachts and even bulk carriers and navy ships.
He told the BBC, "I think in 50 to 100 years, all ships will have solar sails.” He added, "It just makes so much sense. You're out there on the water and there's so much light bouncing around and there's a lot more energy in the wind than in the sun."
The Hong Kong Jockey Club runs the golf course on Kau Sai Chau island. Owners told the BBC the solar panels had resulted in "significant fuel savings" and said that they would continue to monitor the performance of the ferries as well as the costs of maintenance and repair over time.
Mr Dane said that on the golf course-run, the hybrid technology saves between 8 per cent and 17 per cent on fuel costs, depending which route is taken. He is quoted as saying, "The Jockey Club is a new operator so there's a learning curve for them and the new technology.”
However, he is very positive about the future of solar panels for shipping. He is in early talks with a major Hong Kong ferry company about fitting solar panels onto one of their boats and there are also plans to work with a ferry company in Australia and to trial solar panels on ocean research boats.
In addition there are proposals to work with an Australian mining firm to attach a 130-foot solar sail to a new bulk carrier which will be used to ship iron ore and other raw materials to China. Mr Dane said the sail would be like a “giant windmill blade”.
Whilst solar energy is not brand new in the shipping industry, Mr Dane says the level of commercial testing his company has carried out will take things to a new level.
Find out more about solar sails and their potential for the marine travel industry.
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