Renewable energy and technology for ship and boat

Indonesia is an archipelago with a vast ocean, the longest coast in the world and also has large rivers that penetrated far into the woods. Therefore, river and sea transportation is very important for Indonesia. But the ships are currently driven by the energy of all oil. I once wrote an article about the ship that had crossed the Atlantic Ocean with only solar energy. But it is the technology for alternative and renewable energy for the world shipping is getting better, not just theory and had begun to be implemented. Some have proven, some still a concept that has proven even but still small in scope and not for commercial.

The first technology is already used commercially is SkySail.  SkySail have a product like a kite / parachute that uses wind power to help pull the boat forward. Mentioned that the SkySail can add power boats up to 5000 kW, equivalent to 6000 HP. With this additional power, the ship can save 10-35% fuel oil and when the wind ships in optimum condition can save up to 50% use fuel oil. This is really amazing and is implemented in the cargo ship MS Beluga in Germany which was launched on January 18, 2008.

The ship quickly with Biodiesel fuel is being tested is EarthRace initiated by Pete Bethune. EarthRace ship can move with maximum speed of 40 knots (75km/jam). EarthRace is in world tour to raise funds and also provide education to countries around the world about Biodiesel. EarthRace website, you can see the folder where it is at this moment.

Other technologies being tested is the wave power boat named Suntory Mermaid and in an attempt to sail from Hawaii to Japan using only the wave power. Solar panels that you see on the ship only to electronic equipment only. How it works? The flow of waves under the ship will be wearing flippers under the boat and will move up and down. Well of the movement up and down this will be converted into energy and in practice, the ship can move up to the speed of 5 knots.

Of all these technologies, would all have advantages and weaknesses of their own. For the current power flow is still very low tide, solar power is well suited to be a source of energy for electronic equipment and wind can help reduce the ship’s fuel usage. All of these alternative energies will continue to develop even more skills the better and more efficient.

Hopefully all this technology is also more affordable for commercial especially for use in Indonesia so that not only can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but with a renewable alternative energy then the environment would be better, the risk of oil pollution and pollution can be reduced.