Sea trials of the hybrid wind and solar energy system developed to reduce auxiliary engine emissions on a retrofitted container ship have been completed. The demonstration project uses a horizontally mounted wind turbine module, which makes it possible to bypass the deck space shortage on container vessels.
What was installed and where
On the vessel Skamship Helgafell (11,143 dwt, 137.5 m long, 909 TEU capacity), built in 2005 and operating on routes to Iceland, the demonstration unit completed installation at the end of August in Aarhus, Denmark. Sea trials started immediately after installation: after crossing the North Atlantic and arriving in Iceland on August 24, operation has continued as part of four scheduled voyages over the next three months.
Technological solution
The project combines two technologies in a modular format for later retrofitting:
- horizontal SideWind wind turbines in modified containers;
- Solbian photovoltaic panels on container tops.
According to project participants, this solution uses available deck area and minimizes the scope of onboard modifications. The Solbian solar modules are designed for harsh marine conditions and, together with the turbines, operate as part of a hybrid system.
Why the trials are being conducted
According to Oscar Svavarsson, CEO of SideWind, the sea trials will provide real data on operation, controllability, and efficiency of the solutions. Samskip management also noted that the project should demonstrate how modular wind and solar technologies can improve the environmental performance of everyday vessel operation while maintaining required levels of safety, reliability, and service quality.
WHISPER project context
The initiative is the second demonstration within the WHISPER (Wind Energy Harvesting for Ship Propulsion Assistance and Power) project, launched in January 2023 and running until December 31, 2026. The project involves 13 partners from six European countries, with funding provided by the European Union program Horizon Europe.
For comparison, the second demonstration is being carried out on the bulk carrier Maria Tipoc and combines photovoltaic cells on hatch covers with rigid, rotatable OceanWing sails.
Goal of the initiative
WHISPER is aimed at practically testing retrofit approaches for existing vessels with hybrid technologies. According to project targets, the expected impact is:
- up to 30% fuel savings on retrofitted bulk carriers;
- up to 15% fuel savings on retrofitted container ships.
GLOAPM.COM