INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO) - NET ZERO TARGETS

 

Under their identified “levels of ambition”, the IMOs initial Green House Gas (GHG) strategy envisages, a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping (to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least:

 

40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards;

 

50% by 2040, and that total annual GHG emissions from international shipping should be reduced by at least;

 

70% by 2050 and then;

 

100% by 2100 ( compared to 2008 levels)

 

We should not be complacent about the looming 2030 target; it will be difficult to achieve. Even with a scrappage scheme, like governments sometimes use to get rid of polluting cars on roads. There is no such scheme in place at present.

 

 

START SMALL, BUILD SURELY

 

We've come a long way on a shoestring budget, with a quite a journey to go, before the Elizabeth Swann is launched and on the water.

 

Fleet operational costs may even be cheaper in the long run, with reduced fuel costs, once the infrastructure is in place to provide hydrogen compounds as a liquid, or in gaseous form. Imagine that. Goods being delivered for less, free of emissions.

 

It is probable that once fossil fuels are phased out, cars, homes and factories will be cheaper to run. It should represent a giant leap twards world peace. With food security next on the list of problems to be solved. Perhaps, with ZEWTs, the oceans will be less acid, and fish stocks might slowly recover.

 

COF's directors were able to kick-start the project with the sourcing of components. Another charitable Trust felt compelled to provide workshop space and cover the operational overheads. The Foundation needs to raise something in the region of €6m six million Euros to make this project happen. Raising the funds is probably going to be harder than building the boat. There is so much red tape. It's far easier cutting metal welding, and speaking with project partners and subcontractors the stages of build. Paperwork tends to jam up the works, taking valuable time away from development and production. That said, we have spent time securing trademarks and other design IP, in between project development. That partners might see return on investment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A view of the main solar harvesting, tracking, and motor propulsion components, with the vessel cruising toward you. There are 8 x 18 volt solar panels, providing some 144 watts peak energy. This is multiplied by around 12 hours of insolation, to provide 72 watts for continuous 24 hour cruising. At least, that is the theory, minus charging and conversion efficiency losses = 65 watts. It is possible to increase these figures, within the same power to displacement ratio. But we don't want a super-tuned craft. We want one that is possible to build economically at full size.

 

 

 

 

     

 

The folds and returns have to carefully follow the pattern, the bends being that much harder to make over a wide length of metal. Alloy is much easier to form than steel. Though steel is far easier to join with welding. Aluminium welding requires TIG equipment, or a spool-on-gun MIG. The liners of the feeds cables may not be interchangeable, where steel or copper on alloy, produces a contaminated weld.

 

 

 

 

The proof of concept model will use sun tracking technology and voltage control electrics/electronics just like the real 44 meter vessel.

 

Leo is presenting the EU Project at the launch of the Sussex Bay project at the Dome, Corn Exchange, in Brighton on the 13th of June 2024. When he will be presenting the Elizabeth Swann project, along with a PowerPoint pictures.

 

Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre
New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UG