French naval architecture firm VPLP has moved beyond its work in yachting and competitive sailing to commit to development of a 121m ro-ro vessel for transporting components of the Ariane 6 rocket from Europe to French Guiana. Equipped with four of the company’s Oceanwings - VPLP's proprietary automated, reefable soft-sails - the vessel is intended to reduce emissions relative to conventional fossil fuel-based propulsion for cargo craft of similar size.
Posted on - 2019-10-24
New Zealand’s government is backing a raft of projects to electrify marine transport systems in the country.
The four projects to receive public money to co-fund the transformation to low and zero emissions are:
A 100% electric retrofit to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour water taxis and tours operated by the Explore Group. The conversions will use tried and tested components used extensively overseas. Explore Group is an experienced marine tourism and transport business and has a long association with the America’s Cup. It will receive $158,070 co-funding (17% of total project costs).
Posted on - 2019-10-15Dyson's sudden decision to scrap its electric-vehicle ambitions is the latest reality check creeping into the once-soaring EV industry.
The famed maker of vacuum cleaners and hair dryers couldn't find a way of making the project commercially viable, billionaire James Dyson said in a letter to staff. The announcement came about two years after the company first disclosed its plans to jump into car manufacturing.
Posted on - 2019-10-13