Windship Technology has created a new zero-emission ship that could help to revitalise the industry.
The True Zero Emission ship uses a new diesel-electric drive system that helps to eliminate carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter pollution.
The ship also incorporates large solar arrays, carbon capture technology and specialised weather routing software.
With shipping now accounting for over 3% of global CO2 emissions and with regulators such as the International Maritime Organisation demanding environmental and sustainable reform from the industry, it is hoped that the new ship will help to revitalise the industry.
The Windship Technology is currently the only viable and most economical zero-emission project for ocean-going bulk carrier and oil tanker ships.
Following this announcement, the company has will now partner with the international registrar and classification society DNV who will be conducting both an outside-in and inside-out verification to fully assess the whole-ship design with a view to classifying emission reductions, safety and operability.
Professor Philip Wilson, formerly Professor of Ship Dynamics at the University of Southampton said: ‘The holistic approach demonstrated in this solution whereby wind power, solar power and the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions to effectively zero, are all brought together, means that at last there is a design solution that the International Maritime Organisation can champion to achieve its requirements for ‘at least’ zero-carbon shipping.’
Lars Carlsson, director of Windship Technology commented: ‘Working with DNV is a major step towards proving true zero-emission status.
‘The industry cannot sit back any longer. The clock is ticking and regulation will force a new approach for an industry that is traditionally hesitant to change.
‘Shipping is not fit for purpose in the future. Shipping and oil companies are the only major industries still increasing their emissions and must change and think differently if it is to have any hope of reaching the emissions targets set out in law.’
Photo Credit – Windship Technology