Zeus, the zero-emission Italian ship that will be a true floating laboratory

Fincantieri, the world's leading Italian shipbuilding group, has begun construction of the vessel with the aim of revolutionising maritime transport, also thanks to on-board energy generation.

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ZEUS SHIP POWER SUPPLY

A true laboratory ship. It is about Zeus which, with its 25 meters of length and weight of 170 tons, is intended for the study of sustainable technologies with a low environmental impact on the sea. The vessel, designed by Fincantieri, is an experimental naval vessel and the first of its kind in the world.

ZEUS SHIP

Completion of the work is estimated for next year at the Castellammare di Stabia plant, where Zeus will begin in-depth research into reducing emissions from cruise ships, mega-yachts, ferries, and oceanographic research vessels. This is an important task for improving the environmental sustainability of cruise ships, pursued through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter.

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ZEUS SHIP POWER SUPPLY

Zeus will, in fact, a floating laboratory, aimed at acquiring information on the real-world behavior of fuel cells, an electrochemical device that allows electrical energy to be obtained directly from hydrogen without a thermal combustion process.

The Zeus engines will be powered in four different ways: zero noise, using only lithium batteries capable of guaranteeing a range of four hours at a speed of four knots; zero emission, where electricity is supplied by fuel cells; diesel generator operation with batteries charging; and diesel generator operation for transfers.

Not surprisingly, the second objective of the research is to develop a new model of electricity generation and thermal systems on board ships, to enable and ensure greater passenger comfort by reducing noise and vibrations from power systems, as well as increasing ship safety. Furthermore, the hybrid system used by Zeus is based on technology already in use on submarines.

ZEUS FINCANTIERI SHIP

The project will also study some solutions for using new green materials of preparation, including new coatings, photovoltaic panels to maintain battery charge, and energy-efficient OLED lamps. The Italian Fincantieri group benefited from the presence and participation of several entities, including the Castellammare di Stabia and Palermo shipyards, Seastema, Cetena, and Isotta Fraschini Motori. The collaboration of several consultants was also important, and continues to be so: the Universities of Genoa, Palermo, and Naples, RINA, and the National Institute for Research and Promotion of Standardization.

Finally, the unit will be built within the project Low environmental impact technologies (Tecbia) and co-financed by the Ministry of Economic Development, within the National Operational Programme.

The Zeus project is competing for the 2020 edition of the Non Sprecare Award. To submit your projects, follow the instructions provided here. 

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