Anglo-Dutch shipowner Carisbrooke Shipping is testing out solar power as a way of bringing down its emissions on board.
Manufacturer Grafmarine is piloting its NanoDeck AI Solar tile management system on one of the company’s multipurpose vessels.
The technology went live on deck during a round voyage from Scotland to West Africa, allowing the producer to make further improvements and efficiency gains.
“NanoDeck challenges the current reliance on fossil fuels by providing a clean and sustainable alternative renewable source of energy which can be attached to any flat surface — in this case, a cargo vessel — to capture, store and remotely manage clean energy generation via AI solar technology,” said Martin Leigh, Grafmarine director and founder.
Captain Simon Merritt, senior technical fleet manager at Carisbrooke, said the company was pleased to offer a test platform.
This meant data could be collected during real voyages in different latitudes under varied weather conditions, he added.
Grafmarine commercial director Nigel Marc Roberts said his company is looking to forge new relationships in the US, Europe and Asia.
“The system offers unique and innovative ‘plug and play’ technology which enables it to be installed quickly at low cost and upgraded in line with technological advances without the need for a large investment, making this a future-proof solution,” he added.
Carisbrooke was established in 1969 and owns and operates its fleet from offices in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UK.
