Marine Wind and Solar Power System Awarded Patent

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Tuesday October 6, 2015

Japan-based Eco Marine Power (EMP) has announced that it has been granted a patent in Japan related to its Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) System, a wind & solar power propulsion solution for ships.

Commenting on the approval of the patent, Greg Atkinson, EMP's Chief Technology Officer said: "The granting of this patent, which covers much of the core technology behind the Aquarius MRE System, is another major milestone for Eco Marine Power."

"It will help clear the path towards full commercialization of the system and allow us present to shipping companies and shipyards a viable renewable energy system for ships."

The Aquarius MRE System is an advanced integrated system of rigid sails, solar panels, energy storage modules, and marine computer platforms that will enable ships to use renewable energy sources.

EMP is also seeking a patent for its EnergySail, the rigid solar sails used in the system, which have already passed feasibility and function testing at the Aquarius Innovation Lab in Osaka, Japan.

In May EMP announced that Teramoto Iron Works in Onomichi, Japan, would be the production centre for the EnergySail.