EMEA News
New Research Project on Vessel Construction Expected to Glean 10-15% Bunker-Savings
The University of Limerick has announced a new research project, known as FIBRESHIP, which aims to "revolutionise the shipbuilding sector" by replacing steel with composite materials for the construction of more efficient large length ships, and is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15 percent.
Specifically, the project will work to use fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials in the construction of light commercial vessels, passenger and leisure transport, and oceanographic vessels of more than 50 meters in length.
"The project aims to drive the development and adoption of composites in the European shipbuilding industry. It will create the knowledge and tools for the construction of large composite merchant ships, over 50 metres in length, both seagoing and for inland waterways, thus overcoming the challenges and technology gaps which are currently found in conventional shipbuilding," explained the university.
"Among the potential benefits of using composite materials can be the reduction of up to 30 percent in the weight of ships, a decrease in fuel consumption of between 10 percent and 15 percent, an increase in recycling ratio from the current 34 percent for steel structures to 75 percent, a substantial reduction of greenhouse gases, less noise pollution and an increase in cargo capacity by roughly 12 percent."
The project - one of the largest innovation projects funded by the EU - has a budget of €11 million ($12.81 million), €9 million ($10.48 million) of which is funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 Programme.
The University of Limerick says the project involves 18 international entities representing the European shipping and shipbuilding industry across 11 countries including Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Romania, and Spain.
