Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd (EMP), a Japanese technology company that develops renewable energy solutions for ships, has released a concept design for the Aquarius Eco Ship — a low emissions vessel utilizing renewable energy.

The Aquarius Eco Ship project is an ongoing study into optimizing the design of large ocean-going ships such as bulk carriers, oil tankers and RoRo vessels to use renewable energy.

The company are looking to widen the project’s scope and invite other companies within the industry to join the innovative low-emission ship design initiative.

EMP’s concept vessel incorporates many developments from EMP’s ‘Aquarius MRE’ (Marine Renewable Energy) system —which includes EnergySail technology, marine-grade solar panels, and energy storage models.

The Aquarius Eco Ship technology breakdown. Image courtesy of Eco Marine Power

EnergySails, developed by EMP, are rigid sail devices that can utilize and generate both wind and solar power — reducing fuel costs and lowering carbon emissions.

Made from a rigid, durable material, EnergySails can withstand high winds and sudden micro-bursts, and can be used even when a ship is at anchor or in a port to provide power.

A future production model of the ship could, according to EMP, also be equipped with other clean, low emission features such as advanced electric propulsion, low power LED lighting and waste heat recovery techniques.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology could also be incorporated into the design of the ship.

Chief Technology Officer at Eco Marine Power, Greg Atkinson commented: “A primary aim of opening up and widening the Aquarius Eco Ship project is to help develop further, practical fuel and emission reduction technologies beyond our current focus on wind & solar power.

“We also wish to extend the project's reach further beyond Japan and bring in additional investors so that we can help other start-ups in the maritime clean technology field.”