ETI seeking partners for new project

ETI has issued a Request for Proposals to gain partners for the project which will hopefully be deployable on a range of different ships from general cargo to container vessels.

Deborah Stubbs, the ETI’s High Efficiency Propulsion System project manager, said: “Heavy duty vehicles including shipping currently contribute 8% to the UK’s CO2 emissions.”

“Apart from bio-fuels, the low carbon options for replacing fossil fuels as their energy source are limited so increasing fuel efficiency will be increasingly important if emissions and costs are to be reduced.”

The institute is to invest up to £3m in the project which could increase cut emissions and reduce fuel efficiency by 8%.

Mr Stubbs added: “Efficiency can be improved in a number of ways including reducing the ship’s thrust demand or increasing propeller area. However, there are practical constraints such as how to integrate devices onto existing vessels and issues around noise and durability.”

“This project will aim to develop and demonstrate a commercially viable solution, which is robust, durable and reliable and suitable for a range of different types of vessels.”

Deadline for the proposal is 3 June 2016, while the deadline for notification of intention to submit a proposal is 22 April 2016.