EMP To Collaborate with Solar Tech Firm for Alternative Ship Power

The first application of Solbian’s technology was on racing yachts

Japan's Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. (EMP), who are currently developing its "Aquarius MRE" wind and solar power ship propulsion system, said in an emailed press release today it will be collaborating with Solbian Energie Alternative (Solbian) to jointly develop the Italian firm's solar cell technology for marine projects.

While it ultimately aims to develop applications across a variety of marine renewable energy projects for shipping, initially the co-operation will be focused on incorporating Solbian's technology into EMP's EnergySail, a configurable rigid sail that forms part of the Aquarius MRE system.

EMP said the key features of Solbian's product were its lightness and flexibility, which make Solbian modules particularly suited to marine and sustainable mobility applications.

The photovoltaic modules, whose first application was on racing yachts, were also said to be impact resistant to the point of being able to be walked upon, and constructed from lightweight polymer films, as opposed to traditional glass, which make them highly resistant to weathering.

"This collaboration between Solbian and Eco Marine Power will help drive the adoption of renewable energy technologies across the shipping sector," EMP said in the emailed statement.

"This will also lead to development of further innovative solutions for marine applications in the years ahead which will help reduce noxious gas emissions from ships and vessels of all types in addition to reducing fuel costs."

Testing with the technology will take place at EMP's lab in Osaka, Japan, which the company said last month will be expanded this year, and an outdoor testing area will also be established.