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In partnership with Seabird Technologies, Scotline, University College London and part funded by the UK Department for Transport, Spaera will be launching a project aimed at advancing the design and energy management of next generation zero-emission commercial vessels.
The primary aim of this project is to enable future powertrain solutions in the context of efficient ship designs, with a specific focus on developing cutting-edge digital tools for optimisation of fuel cell and battery based energy systems, augmented by latest generation Wind Propulsion Technology (WPT). Comparing traditional rules-based development with advanced modelling, optimisation, and next-generation techniques in data analytics and machine learning, we will resolve on the ability to design optimal system solutions, including optimisation of their operational performance - an essential component in realising our ambition of launching a fully net-zero emission commercial vessel.
This collaboration will also demonstrate the economic competitiveness of zero-emission vessels compared to traditional fossil-fuel ships, factoring in the changing regulatory landscape - offering valuable insights for retrofitting existing fleets and planning future new builds.
"As the energy demands on ships become more sophisticated, so too must the systems that supply them. Spaera is excited to be collaborating with experts in optimising complex powertrain systems in the development of virtual tools that apply the latest machine-learning techniques to find the best possible configurations."
- Rob Palin, Spaera Founder
Through collaboration with our partners, this project will help in providing the tools to solve one of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges: reducing emissions while maintaining economic viability. We aim to provide high confidence in the performance of net-zero technologies, ensuring delivery of operational and emissions-saving benefits that will accelerate adoption across the maritime sector.
Notes for Editors
About Spaera
Spaera is a technology start-up aiming to accelerate the transition of the maritime industry to net zero harmful emissions. We are resolving a truly zero emission ship design that leverages next generation tools & systems to maximize efficiency, challenging every aspect of the design, build and operation to maximize competitiveness. Leveraging our skills as leaders in virtual modelling and Computational Fluid Dynamic simulation, we aim to exploit available free environmental energy through a series of innovations, integrating these solutions in a proprietary and optimised next generation efficient ship design. Our new build designs will enable the profitable use of zero emission future fuels and solve the challenges faced by the maritime industry as it moves away from fossil sources.
About Seabird
Seabird is a pioneering marine technology company dedicated to developing innovative electric propulsion systems, as well as the all-electric foiling race boats for the E1 World championship. Seabird's cutting-edge solutions are revolutionising the maritime industry, providing low-carbon and efficient alternatives to traditional propulsion methods. Seabird is committed to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in everything it does.
About Scotline
Scotline operates a fleet of eleven vessels (representing over 50% of the British coastal fleet and about 12% of the total British commercial fleet with further vessels under commercial management. It has exclusive use of two terminals at Rochester on the River Medway and operates a further independent timber terminal at Inverness. From these terminals it can arrange competitive distribution across England, Scotland and Wales.
About UCL
The Marine, Robotics and Autonomous Systems (MARS) group at University College London (UCL) specialises in world-leading research on marine autonomy and automation, clean maritime technologies, marine environments and sustainability, high-performance ship and structure design, naval architecture, and marine engineering. With a focus on addressing the challenges of emissions reduction in the sector, their expertise is paving the way for innovation within the marine & maritime industries.
About SSAF
This project is part of the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. SSAF is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.
The UK Government has allocated £206m Research and Development (R&D) funding to UK SHORE, a programme within the Department for Transport focused on decarbonising the maritime sector. UK SHORE is delivering a suite of interventions between 2022 and 2025 aimed at accelerating the design, manufacture and operation of UK-made clean maritime technologies and unlocking an industry-led transition to Net Zero. Flagship competitions include the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme and the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).
The UK SHORE programme includes the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund which provides match-funding to help bring pre-commercial smart shipping technologies closer to market readiness. SSAF allocated £8m to 31 projects across the UK to deliver innovative feasibility studies between November 2024 – March 2025. The projects are supported by over 103 partners and will leverage more than £3m of private investment.
Contact Details
For more information please contact https://www.spaera.eco/contact