The world’s two leading marine engine manufacturers, MAN Diesel and Wärtsilä Corporation, have agreed to propose a large scale Cooperative Research Project – HERCULES-ß – with the objective of maximising fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.
The principal aim of HERCULES-ß is to improve the efficiency of marine diesel propulsion systems to a level of more than 60%, hence to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions substantially. An additional concurrent aim is towards ultra low exhaust emissions from marine engines by the year 2015.
The project will deliver a number of Technology Demonstrator engines, operating with improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Certain new technologies developed, will be validated onboard new-built ships.
The HERCULES-ß Project is planned to run over a four-year period with a targeted budget of €60 million. It is expected to be fully agreed in 2007 so as to be subsequently proposed for funding within the Framework Program 7 (FP7, Theme Transport), of the European Commission.
