Itsas-ingurumen iraunkorraren bidean: ia emisiorik gabeko ikerketa ontzi hibridoak

Abstract

In recent times, marine environment knowledge is taking further concern, focusing all the efforts in guaranteeing its sustainability. The Basque Country has prestigious entities which are involved in elemental and sophisticated applied marine environment research works. The sea is the main source of datum and knowledge for these research teams. For example, all kind of biotic and abiotic sampling are usually extracted by using fishing vessels and oceanographic research vessels, becoming their frequent working platforms. Therefore, research vessels are nearly essential for those works, needed to be at least well dimensioned and prepared for their purposes. In that sense, this article addresses principally the retrofit of a coastal vessel engine propulsion system for high value coastal and near-shore marine research, training and education in the Basque Country. Thus, Ingeteam Power Technology company leads a private and public entities consortium which aims the retrofit, which will improve the vessel's energy efficiency, the manoeuvrability, security and emissions and noise reduction. The vessel, named ORTZE, belongs to the Basque Government, being one of the facilities of the Blas de Lezo, Marine and Fishing School of Pasaia. The retrofit consists of the replacement of the recent diesel mechanic propulsion system for an electric-hybrid propulsion system. The project is placed in a zero-emission, blue economy and sustainability development context. Some purposes are expected in a medium - short term, such as, coastal non-noise and zero-emission research studies, marine and fishing technologies lectures and developments, basic research and master studies and PhD careers on electric propulsion systems, international networking, etc.