The CHEK-deCarbonising sHipping Project by Enabling Key Technology symbiosis on real vessel model designs has earned EUR 10 million in funding from the EU as part of its Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

The aim of the CHEK project is to minimize pollution from shipping through the integrated use of forms and technologies of low-carbon energy. This include the use of hydrogen fuel, wind power, electric batteries, air lubrication, heat recovery, and emerging technologies for anti-fouling. Also included is development work on the way vessels are built and run.

The project will build two concept vessels; a bulk carrier that will use sails to collect wind energy, and a cruise ship that will operate on hydrogen fuel with a Wärtsilä-designed engine.

The project suits the extensive investments of Wärtsilä in creating a co-creation ecosystem. The company's Smart Technology Hub in Vaasa is a modern state-of-the-art research, growth and manufacturing innovation centre aimed at developing solutions for a more sustainable planet.

The release of the CHEK project is scheduled for spring 2021. With the latest vessel design process, it is also possible to apply the findings of the two test vessels to other types of vessels, such as tankers, container ships, general cargo vessels and ferries.

Maritime Business World