In the journey to net-zero, Carisbrooke Shipping has taken an exciting and innovative step towards reducing the emissions of their vessels. 

Working in partnership with a technology firm, Grafmarine, they have been testing the installation of a product called NanoDeck. The NanoDeck tile will take solar power and store the renewable energy. This is then fed into the ship's electrical switchboard through a special management tile. The electrical power can then be used by the vessel for onboard power use such as lighting in the accommodation. The tiles can be installed on any flat surface and are safe to walk on. 

The two companies have been working together for the last 12 months, trialing the system on board the UAL OSPREY. The vessel has been conducting an array of voyages whilst the NanoDeck provides live data to the companies so they can understand the effect of the marine environment on the equipment. So far, the results look promising and following further tests Carisbrooke intends to roll it out across more of their fleet. 

Currently, it is estimated that the system will reduce a ship's emissions by around 10 percent, rising to 40 percent in five years. So, whilst this is not a solo-solution to reach net-zero it is certainly an option that could be considered in partnership with a low carbon fuel. 

The real benefit of this system is the ability to reduce or even eliminate the need to run a ship's generator whilst in port, instead using the stored power from the NanoDeck. Many ports have byelaws on emissions, including fines for vessels emitting particulates from their funnels, or are located within emission control areas where more expensive fuels such as Marine Gas Oil must be used. 

Ultimately, in the long run, a system such as NanoDeck could save owners and/or charterers money on bunkers as less fuel will be burnt whilst in port. It will require crew to be properly trained in the care and maintenance of the system but is certainly an innovative use of space on board a vessel.