Ship Propelled by Wind Power and Solar are Cost Effective and Greener

Abstract

To reduce the cost of operation and to meet the environmental norm the researchers and shipping companies, for the last two decades, have been trying to find ways and means to solve the problems. Using modern technology researchers and shipbuilders have developed ships that are propelled by wind power and simultaneously also can generate solar energy. These new modern ships have low fuel consumption and the high technology devices fitted to the ships can supply between 10% to 90% of a ship's power needs. A Japanese start-up Eco Marine designed a cargo ship with rigid sails with solar panels that are capable of curbing a ship's fuel consumption by 30%. In 2021, VELA, a French designer and shipbuilder unveiled the first-ever trimaran (a three-hulled boat) cargo ship powered 100% by wind power and its manufacturing started in 2023. The hulled configuration provides more stability for both cargo and crew. They planned not to use containers but instead would carry up to 450 standard US pallets, thus reducing the empty weight of the ship by 20%. The trimaran also will use onboard solar power to power non-sailing utilities. In addition, VELA is also equipped with hydro generators. Hydro generators are dragged through the water behind the vessel; its impeller is pitched specifically with the ship's speed to generate electricity. They would charge the storage batteries when solar modules and sails do not work. They can generate 500W, 12V at 9 knots of boat speed, and would reduce the burden on the main engine when sails/ PV systems do not work.  This new design will also reduce greenhouse gas by 99%.