Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RENShip (Hybrid Carbon-free electrically driven fishing longliner with low power methanol combustion enginefor propulsion back-up and auxiliary equipment)
Reporting period: 2018-03-01 to 2018-06-30
RENSHIP project focuses on the development of a 100% renewable energy propelled fishing long liner, taking current hybrid ship concepts a step further by integrating on-board energy storage, wind turbines and solar panels. Our goal is to develop RENSHIP longliner to be the most efficient hybrid boat in the market powered by renewable energy.
Our technical work focused on optimising the hydrodynamic design of our vessel. We also revisited the design of crew’s working spaces to maximise their safety on board. Our market research analysed the needs of our customers and key trends/developments in the small-scale fishing industry in Europe and the USA. We thoroughly studied competitive developments in the shipping industry. Our freedom to operate analysis evidenced that our technology does not infringe the intellectual property rights of others. We refined our sales strategy and projected RENSHIP revenues for the commercialisation period. We participated to the leading trade-fair for electric propulsion technologies for the maritime industry and made important contacts with several key suppliers and classification bodies.
RENSHIP’s inherent safety features will drastically reduce accidents related with falling overboard, which is the second biggest killer in the fishing industry. Our carefully designed working spaces and accommodation areas aim to make the fishing occupation more attractive to younger people, enabling the fishing industry to tackle one of its’ main pain points: the increasing age of its’ workforce. Our cost-benefit analysis identified that RENSHIP’s sustainable fishing method will allow vessel owners to apply a premium on their catch increasing their profits and enhancing their competitiveness. RENSHIP’s reduced fuel consumption will translate to annual cost savings of over 70k€ for the vessel owners. RENSHIP’s hybrid propulsion system will lead to annual reduction of 1,658 tons of CO2 emissions, while eliminating local pollution at port basins.