Damen heading research project to develop low-emission mussel farm vessels

Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam is heading a multi-party research project to investigate the application of hybrid and fully electric propulsion in the Dutch mussel farming sector.

The overall aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of hybrid and electric propulsion to reduce exhaust emissions and increase profitability of operations within the shellfish farming sector. This led to Damen Maaskant establishing the following three specific goals:

• Developing a power supply system that enables fully electric sailing for at least 50 per cent of the time;
• Improving energy efficiency of installations by a minimum of 15 per cent;
• Reducing CO2, NOx, SOx and PM emissions by a minimum of 50 per cent compared to current levels.

Other industry stakeholders involved in the project are Vripack for design and styling work, SIPmarine for hull and propeller optimisation, Maritiem Elektro Zeeland for electrical installation and battery selection, JVS/Technofisica for base measurements of current vessels, and Partners for Innovation for determining environmental impacts.