The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is working on the construction of a hybrid trimaran, a ship designed to generate power from ocean waves, which is expected to be delivered in 2020.
Rachel Habana, senior science research specialist at DoST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research, and
Development (PCIEERD) said the hybrid trimaran was invented by Engineer Jonathan Salvador, owner of the Metallica Marine Consultancy,
Fabrication and Service, in partnership with the Aklan State University.
The PCIEERD conducts Science and Technology initiatives for Maritime Transport.
“The water-energy double action hydraulic pumps were integrated in the outrigger. Designed with dual power source, the energy can harness from ocean waves,” Habana said in an interview at the sidelines of the 6th Philippines Marine 2019 International Maritime Exhibition.
“The ship can carry 150 passengers, 4 vans and 20 motorcycles, and has 200-plus gross tonnage (GT). It can be used for inter-island operation to service the growing traffic in Western Visayas, particularly Cebu, Romblon [and] Mindoro,” Salvador said.
The ship, which is being constructed at Metallica Marine’s shipyard is estimated to cost P90 million.
The project was started in April 2018 and is expected to be completed in March 2020.
The Salvador-owned Metallica shipyard can build up to four ships, as it has a capacity of 3,000 GT.
“There’s hydraulic pump that will convert it to energy, from mechanical to electrical. The big energy consumption of a ship is air-conditioning. They can shut down the generator and it will be taken over by the renewable energy,” Salvador explained.
With financial help from the DoST, Metallica and the Aklan State University were able to develop a hybrid ship, which will be patented under the name of the inventor Engineer Salvador and the Aklan State University.
