Asia/Pacific News
Eco Marine Power Obtains Patent for Bunker-Saving Rigid Sail Device
Japan-based Eco Marine Power (EMP) Wednesday announced that the Japan Patent Office has granted the company a patent covering the core elements of its bunker-saving EngerySail technology, a rigid sail device that can be fitted with a range of renewable energy technologies, including solar or wind power devices.
The patent is said to enable the licensing of the technology to proceed, ensuring the 2018 initiation of the EnergySail's commercial production, as well as that of associated technologies.
"This is another important milestone for Eco Marine Power and the granting of this patent illustrates the innovative nature of the fuel and emission reduction solutions we are developing for shipping," said Greg Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer at EMP.
"The technologies associated with this patent have applications across shipping and could also be incorporated into coastal or offshore renewable energy projects."
Specifically, the patent is said to cover the main design elements incorporated into the EnergySail, such as its grid structure, and the functional panels and device for reducing sudden wind loads.
EMP says its design will provide a source of clean power, enabling the reduction of CO2 emissions in the shipping sector.
"The flexible nature of the EnergySail design allows for it to be upgraded during the life-cycle a ship so that newer technologies can be incorporated as they become available," explained EMP.
EMP notes that a number of shipping companies have already shown interest in the EnergySail.
In June, EMP said it expects that its wind and solar power marine propulsion system would provide at least 10 percent bunker savings, or around 1,000 metric tonnes (mt) per year for a typical large commercial vessel.
In July, EMP announced it had received a U.S. Patent for its Aquarius MRE system, a key component of its wind and solar power system for ships.
