Eco Marine Power (EMP) announced that a solar solution has been installed on the general cargo ship MV Panamana. This installation was performed by the ship’s crew with remote support provided by Zeaborn Ship Management (Singapore) and EMP from Japan.
Now, during the course of the next few weeks, the solar power equipment will be incorporated into EMP’s Aquarius Management & Automation System (MAS) and then start operation.
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The equipment installed on the ship includes a hybrid battery pack, battery charging equipment, flexible marine-grade photovoltaic (PV) panels and a computer automation and management system.
Commenting on this project, Lars Modin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Masterbulk stated that:
Masterbulk is very interested to be part of these trials, made with the target to find out how green energy resources can contribute to reduce usage of fossil fuel … We are keen to see the results of those latest developments and what it can bring to shipping
In addition, Greg Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Eco Marine Power, mentioned that this is the world’s first installation of a ship solar power system entirely by the crew while the ship operated normally. In fact, the solar panel array on the ship was installed while the ship was at sea.
This project also dismisses the myth that solar power is difficult to install on ships or requires the ship to spend days alongside … If shipping companies are serious about reducing emissions then solar power is an option that can help achieve this and it’s ready now for use on almost any type of ship
Mr. Atkinson concluded.
