Asia/Pacific News
2GO Looks to Solar Power, Hull Coatings to Cut Bunker Bill
Manila-based ferry operator 2GO Group (2GO), in an effort to reduce its bunker costs, is planning to use the Akzo Nobel N.V. (AkzoNobel) Intersleek series hull coating across its entire fleet and is considering the use of hybrid solar power-diesel propulsion on future newbuild orders, Passenger Ship Technology reports.
The company is also noted to be examining liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel that could possibly be used to power the company's future fleet.
"We are reviewing whether the solar power would be sufficient as a back-up for the engine, but if not, there are so many electric requirements other than the engine that they could be used for, such as lighting and sound systems and televisions," Eduardo Dela Cru, Head of Ship Management at 2GO, told Passenger Ship Technology.
2GO says it has plans implement a solar panel programme across all of its vessels, using solar-powered propulsion and diesel as a back-up when vessels are cruising.
The solar panel programme is set begin with an operational test period involving one ferry and one container ship.
"Solar technology has become cheaper, it has matured and is being used in more marine applications, so we have been having discussions with solar panel companies in Korea," said Dela Cruz, noting that the next ferry ordered by the company will likely feature hybrid propulsion.
In terms of the company's future using LNG bunkers as fuel, Dela Cruz says more studies are needed in order to examine operating costs and crew costs, as the use of LNG bunkers will require further training for crew.
"In the near future LNG will be readily available in the market, it is safer and environmentally friendly and although it requires a different way of managing the ventilation system and fuel system of a vessel, it gives a lot of benefits. It is also cheaper [than diesel fuel]," said Dela Cruz.
"It would be a good business if we use hybrid engines, even though they are a little more complex than conventional engines. We have asked for a quote for hybrid engines."
