Milestone in Sustainable Maritime Transport: Delivery of 48-Meter Low-Carbon Sailing Ship
On July 31, the 48-meter-long, 300 dwt Low-Carbon Sailing Ship, SV Juren Ae, marked a significant milestone in sustainable maritime transport.
Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI), the SV Juren Ae is the product of a collaborative effort led by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). This project, titled ‘Transition to Low-Carbon Sea Transport in the Republic of the Marshall Islands,’ has been underway since 2017 for the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
Key Partnerships Driving Innovation
The project brought together several key partners, including KR, the University of Applied Sciences Emden-Leer in Germany, MISC, Asia Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., and naval design company Kostec Co. Ltd. in Busan. Their combined expertise led to the development of a vessel with several innovative features.
Innovative Design for Low-Carbon Shipping
The SV Juren Ae was developed at the maritime campus of Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences. A standout feature is its partially automated sail system, designed by German naval designer HSVA. This system, known as the “Indosail-Sailing Rig,” is adapted from a traditional Indonesian sail design. Along with installed PV units and a hybrid drive system, the vessel is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 80% compared to similar-sized ships.
The SV Juren Ae can achieve a service speed of approximately 12 knots under sail and around 7 knots with the auxiliary diesel engine. Additionally, the ship features a battery rack charged by excess wind power, which powers the vessel’s electric drive during low-speed operations.
Operational Impact in the Pacific Region
The SV Juren Ae will be operated by MISC for domestic sea transportation within the Marshall Islands and the broader Pacific Region, representing a significant step forward in sustainable maritime practices.
Michael Suhr, Regional Director North Europe at KR, stated, “The SV Juren Ae represents a pivotal moment in maritime innovation. This pioneering ship serves as a beacon for a low-carbon future in maritime transport, showcasing the viability and efficiency of sustainable technologies in the maritime industry.”
