Japanese companies make a move

The alliance will provide EMP access to a production base and testing centre in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture – one of Japan’s most important shipbuilding areas. In addition, EMP will also benefit from being able to tap into the skills and experience of Teramoto, which has been in the industry since 1934.

“This is a major step forward for EMP as our alliance with Teramoto Iron Works moves us from testing in the lab to a position where we can deliver, along with our strategic partners, our EnergySail technology,” said Greg Atkinson, director and CTO at EMP.

The alliance will initially lead to the production of the first pre-commercial EnergySail this year. After production, the device will be installed on a ship along with the EnergySail Automated Control System (ACS) and evaluated during sea trials.

The companies will also work together on various R&D projects and to develop further variations of the EnergySail.

“We look forward to working together with EMP in bringing the EnergySail and Aquarius MRE System to the shipping market. Both these technologies will also give Teramoto Iron Works the opportunity to demonstrate once again our skills and ability to deliver high quality products,” added Yoshitaka Teramoto, president, Teramoto Iron Works.