The inland navigation industry has also resorted to investigating alternative energy sources and new forms of propulsion as a response to the increasing shortage of fossil fuel and the environmental impact derived from its usage. This is not only relevant to Diesel engines, but also to the transmission and propeller technologies. With regard to the ship propulsion industry, three groups of measures can be taken: optimising existing standards in engine technology, changing over engine technology from conventional to renewable energy as well as replacing traditional ship propulsion with new systems.
The propeller technology has seen several lines of development over the last few years. The production of contra rotation propellers as well as twin propellers in order to improve the propulsion efficiency rate are but two of them.
To mention an example, the Schottel twin propeller can increase the ship propulsion efficiency rate in the medium speed range by 20%.
The fuel cell technology is a promising source of energy for power generation aboard. It combines water and oxygen to produce electricity with low to zero emissions. However, this technology is still in an experimental phase.
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