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Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. (EMP) released today further details of its modified version of the Aquarius MRE System for use on naval and coast guard ships.

According to EMP, the modified system will use EMP’s patent pending EnergySail technology to form an array of devices able to harness renewable energy on these types of ships.

The flexibility of the EnergySail design means that it can be adapted to suit a wide range of ships while the basic elements of the system remain identical. This simplifies parts management, maintenance and operational processes which are important when deploying a system across a fleet of different vessel types.

In addition to naval and coastguard ships, the EnergySail technology and Aquarius MRE System, which are being developed by EMP, could also be installed on oceanographic, marine research and survey vessels.

Greg Atkinson, Director of R&D at EMP commented: "We view this latest development of our marine renewable energy technologies as a major step forward in terms of bringing safe, practical and cost effective wind & solar power systems to world shipping."

A naval frigate could have up to four EnergySail’s incorporated into its design whilst smaller patrol vessels and coastguard ships may be fitted with just two of the devices.

A control system that is currently being tested in co-operation with KEI System Ltd., will automatically raise, lower and position each EnergySail to best suit the prevailing weather conditions.

Each EnergySail will be capable of performing as a rigid sail in order to help move the ship forward. Additionally they could also be fitted with a range of solar and wind power technologies so that even if the ship were at anchor, these revolutionary devices would still be able to tap into the available wind and solar power resources.

The use of renewable energy on naval, coastguard & maritime patrol ships would reduce their fuel consumption and noxious gas emissions plus extend the patrol and/or operating ranges of these vessels. In addition, the use of wind power could potentially allow these ships to operate significantly quieter at lower speeds than conventional ships.