Japanese company Eco Marine Power (EMP) is launching a new type of sail device for ships, following several years of R&D effort.
The device, known as a Sailet (patent pending), can increase the propulsive forces created by EMP’s patented EnergySail and can also be used as a stand-alone sail-assisted propulsion or energy saving device. Additionally, it can be used as a modification to the EnergySail so that this will be better protected during cargo operations and during storms.
CFD studies have shown the orientation of this device can be adjusted to alter the forces on a sail thereby acting as a form of load control, especially when linked to the computer-based automation and control system that EMP has developed with several strategic partners.
Greg Atkinson, President and CTO Eco Marine Power said: “Our focus at Eco Marine Power has consistently been on developing innovative energy saving and renewable energy-based solutions for ships. The Sailet is an example of this and also our continued focus on R&D and our work to expand our portfolio of patented designs.”
It is expected that the Sailet will be ready for sea trials early in 2024, when it will be incorporated into EMP’s rigid sail and solar power solution – Aquarius MRE – which was granted Approval In Principle (AiP) by ClassNK in 2021.
