FASTSHIP project to develop novel technologies for cleaner shipping

ÉireComposites (Galway, Ireland) has announced its partnership with the University of Galway for the newly funded FASTSHIP project. The project aims to make the shipping industry greener, by using lightweight composite materials to reduce fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and costs.

As global trade booms, shipping continues to be the method of choice for goods transportation. This industry accounts for approximately 3.1% of global CO₂ emissions today, which is predicted to rise by anything from 50% to 250% by 2050 without mitigation. There is an urgent need to reduce these figures, and ÉireComposites believes that FASTSHIP will play a significant role in achieving this.

Over the course of 24 months, the project will focus on manufacturing process optimization for the volume production of composite components that can reduce drag on ships, thereby cutting fuel use. ÉireComposites will lead development and manufacturing, while the University of Galway is taking charge of analysis and testing. Both parties have a long history of collaboration. 

The following strategic objectives will feed into achieving the overall goal of the project:

• Optimize the manufacturing process to increase its efficiency and strength, using BladeComp software developed by the University of Galway.
• Validate the initial redesign by testing a demonstrator component at the large structure’s laboratory at the university. 
• Optimize the manufacturing process for ensuring large-volume production at reduced costs.
• Fabricate and test the full-scale component to validate the optimized redesign and verify finite element models.
• Explore commercial opportunities and new markets within Ireland and Europe to expand ÉireComposites’ customer base.

The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) and the Marine Institute are providing almost €600,000 of funding to the project, under the SEAI National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Program 2022. This program invests in innovative energy RD&D projects which contribute to Ireland’s transition to a clean and secure energy future.

“The Irish maritime sector, in line with the sector across Europe is seeking ways to decarbonize operations, reduce greenhouse gases emissions and increase the use of low-carbon and renewable fuels to replace fossil fuels for shipping,” Veronica Cunningham, research funding office manager, Marine Institute, says. “The FASTSHIP project will develop a solution that can be retrofitted to existing vessels or designed into new ships, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption, and consequently decreasing vessel carbon emissions and shipping costs. The Institute is pleased to support this project awarded under the SEAI RD&D Program.”