Shipowner in UAE to test solar power system onboard a vessel

A UAE-based shipping company and Japan’s Eco Marine Power (EMP) will jointly carry out a study of solar power in an attempt to improve onboard energy efficiency.

The study will focus on the potential of zero-emission power sources, including Aquarius Marine Solar Power, EnergySail and Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy. EMP will install and investigate the performance of an Aquarius Marine Solar Power system on one of the ships in the fleet, EMP said.

The process involves fitting solar panels on hatch covers to provide a renewable source of power onboard.

The study will initially focus on a Handymax-class vessel, but fleet-wide solutions will also be investigated to pave the way for more widespread adoption of these technologies in the sector.

The use of marine solar panels is one of the approaches being explored by the shipping industry to meet sustainability goals and reduce emissions.v