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Japanese firm Eco Marine Power (EMP) has been short-listed for the Ship Technology Global Innovation in Energy Efficiency Award for 2013 for its Aquarius MRE System.

The Aquarius MRE System (patent pending) is a renewable energy solution for shipping that incorporates rigid sail technology controlled by a dedicated computer system so that the power of the sun and wind can be harnessed to reduce fossil fuel consumption, air pollution and carbon emissions.

The rigid sails used by the Aquarius MRE System are based on EMP’s EnergySail technology. These innovative devices can be used as either stand-alone units or as part of an array and the technology is suitable for a wide range of ships including bulk ore carriers, oil tankers, cargo ships, survey vessels and passenger ferries.

"We are truly honoured to have been nominated for the 2013 Ship Technology Awards and we believe this demonstrates that renewable energy based solutions for shipping are gaining acceptance. We are thankful for the initiative behind the awards and the encouragement this gives ship technology innovators especially start-up ventures such as ours," commented Greg Atkinson of Eco Marine Power.

The Aquarius MRE System is being developed in co-operation with KEI System in Osaka and it is expected that the testing of a prototype system will be completed within 2013. Sea trials and evaluation of an expanded system is currently being planned and due to start later this year or early in 2014.

This year's nominees have been selected on the basis of their contribution towards a truly sustainable shipping industry. With ‘innovation in technology and application’ as the key criteria, these awards seek to acknowledge the contribution made by as wide a slice of the industry as possible.

"A growing need for cost-savings and greater accountability for emissions and environmental performance within the shipping industry has resulted in a huge upswing in eco-friendly marine propulsion and power systems. To celebrate innovation in this field Ship Technology global has shortlisted a selection of designs, concepts and breakthrough technologies all of which are capable of fundamentally changing energy and efficiency within the maritime industry," Ship Technology said.

Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. is an internationally focused technology company based in Fukuoka, Japan, that designs innovative eco-friendly solar, wind, electric and hybrid marine power and propulsion solutions. The company also develops sustainable ship concepts that incorporate the latest renewable energy technologies and is currently working on a number of design projects including the Aquarius MRE System, EnergySail, Aquarius Eco Ship, Aquarius USV and Medaka eco-commuter ferry.