http://www.newenergyworldnetwork.com/renewable-energy-news/by-technology/solar/eco-marine-power-to-launch-solar-sail-prototype-in-2012.html

Japan-based technology producer Eco Marine Power is to develop a solar and wind-powered marine power system especially for ships and other ocean vessels.

The company said the patent-pending Aquarius Solar and Wind Marine Power System uses sail panels fitted with solar modules to collect wind and solar energy onboard ships.
Eco Marine Power said it is working with a number of development partners in several countries to complete the detailed design, with a prototype of the system scheduled to be ready for preliminary testing in early 2012.
Eco Marine Power said it is also seeking to work with shipping companies and shipyards to help refine the design and assist with prototype testing and preliminary sea trials.
It decided to progress with the development of the system after conducting a feasibility study in 2010, which found that wind and solar power could be harnessed cost-effectively by using an advanced rigid sail concept.
It is also conducting studies to see if the technology would be feasible to use on naval and government vessels and believes it would also be applicable to smaller boats.
The Aquarius Solar and Wind Marine Power System will be used in tandem with an onboard computer system to control how an array of rigid sail panels are deployed, enabling them to be positioned for optimal use.
The company anticipates that the rigid sail panels it plans to develop will allow large vessels such as carrier ships to become part solar-powered and part sailing vessels.