International Tech Alliance Leads to Energy Innovations
Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd, a renowned international maritime organization, has partnered with Denmark and UK’s Grafmarine for an exciting solar power project. The partnership aims to exploit the potential of Grafmarine’s groundbreaking NanoDeck AI Solar tile system by installing it on Carisbrooke’s fleet, following fruitful trials in tropical waters.
Promising Results from Trial Runs
During the year-long collaboration, Grafmarine was granted a marine vessel to conduct performance tests of the NanoDeck technology. NanoDeck’s principal function is to harness, store, and manage renewable energy, and it can be affixed on any flat surface, making cargo ships an ideal platform. A return journey from Scotland to West Africa yielded live data, allowing both firms to strengthen their understanding of how the solar solution endured the harsh marine conditions. The UAL Osprey, the maiden vessel to incorporate this advanced solution, is readying to replicate the technology on additional vessels post successful tests.
Trailblazing a Greener Future
Captain Simon Merritt of Carisbrooke expressed the company’s enthusiasm towards the trial, believing it holds substantial promise. “The innovative technology is expected to undergo tweaks and upgrades to emerge as the ultimate solution. This collaborative initiative will not only serve Carisbrooke but can also change the game for the larger shipping industry in their quest for reducing emissions for a greener shipping future,” he outlined.
On another note, Grafmarine is also set to equip the crew members with training and resources for basic monitoring of the machines and solar cells. Additional access will be granted to Grafmarine and its partners for comprehensive assessment and data collection.
Clean Energy for a Cleaner Planet
Grafmarine’s Commercial Director, Nigel Marc Roberts, expressed immense confidence in the joint venture, emphasizing that the trials have endorsed the technology’s proficiency. He appreciates the efficiency gains the project has made notably in Equatorial waters, strengthening their belief in the NanoDeck system as a viable, affordable, and environment-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. “The industry’s negative environmental impact necessitates this shift towards cleaner renewable power to combat greenhouse gas emissions. This is simply in line with the vision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO),” Roberts stated.
Apart from the high seas, other testing locations for the solar solution include the Marine Energy Test Area in the Celtic Sea and a sustainable smart-port platform at the Port of Tyne. Grafmarine also has prospects for additional test sites across Europe, thereby marking the dawn of a new era in sustainable shipping.
