Patrick Englebert, CEO of PROPELWIND, has shared an update on his latest initiative: MARA, a solar and battery-powered cargo ship designed for developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Developed by planette.be, the Belgian company controlling PROPELWIND (see https://planette.be/), this concept represents a step forward in creating accessible, absolute zero-emission shipping solutions tailored to specific regional needs.
The MARA Solar-Powered Inland Cargo Vessel is a catamaran designed to maximise solar PV area and deck space. It features a lightweight structure, making it suitable for use on rivers, lakes, and short inter-island/coastal routes in calm weather. While not built for the open sea, MARA offers practical and sustainable shipping solutions for inland and sheltered waters.
Key Features of MARA:
- Payload: 1,000 tonnes
- Main Dimensions:
- Length overall (OA): 96.0m
- Width OA: 22.0m
- Draft: 3.5m
- Capacity: Space for up to 112 TEUs (one level) combined with general cargo, including pallets, light vehicles, and passengers
- Design Speed and Autonomy: Operates at 8 knots with a 6-hour sailing per 24h cycle, extendable with shore-based battery charging or longer idle periods (reference case, to be adjusted according to local conditions and season).
- Ease of Deployment: Prefabricated for assembly at operating locations, such as lakes in Africa.
- Autonomous Operations: Equipped with autonomous cargo handling, requiring minimal shore infrastructure—just a quay or pontoon.
Patrick highlights the simplicity and reliability of solar power compared to wind:
“Wind is powerful but uncertain and frightening. Solar is weak but less uncertain and not frightening.”
This concept adds another zero-emission dimension to ZESTAs’ scope: propulsion by solar, alongside hydrogen, batteries, and wind. Solar energy is growing globally; according to DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2024, 43% of grid-connected electricity is expected to be provided by solar and solar plus storage by 2050, surpassing wind (28%) and all other types combined (29%). (dnv.com)
Solar panels are projected to become the most cost-effective commodity in the mid-to-long term. Utilising them for ship propulsion is advantageous:
- Wherever feasible.
- Within their inherent but manageable limitations.
- With the understanding that more environmentally friendly raw materials are being developed, similar to advancements in battery technology.
While MARA’s development is still in its initial engineering stages, Patrick is actively seeking partners specialising in solar, batteries, and funding to bring this innovative concept to life.
For more details, visit PLANETTE’s Future Concepts page and contact Patrick at patrick.e@propelwind.com or +33 626 872 985 (WhatsApp).