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Jun N. Aguirre
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Sunday, June 25, 2017
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NEW WASHINGTON, Aklan – A former seafarer has asked the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for his proposed hybrid wave technology for the country’s marine transportation sector.
Engr. Jonathan Salvador, owner of a shipyard in Barangay Lagatik, New Washington, Aklan, said in an interview on Tuesday his idea has been endorsed by the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of the Aklan State University (ASU) to the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of the DOST.
The proposal, dubbed Development of a Hybrid Fast Craft Passenger and Cargo Vessel using Multi and Alternative Energy Source from Ocean Waters, will use wave energy for vessels that are already in the middle of the sea.
“In my proposal, we will be using gas for the start-up of the engine. Then when [the] vessel is in the middle of the sea, we will now be using the wave energy,” Salvador explained.
The seafarer-turned-entrepreneur said his proposal uses the Trimaran model for the design of the vessel, an innovation to the Filipino traditional motorboat.
Salvador furthermore said his module for the wave energy concept is finished. However, he will not release it to the public yet due to intellectual property rights issues.
“As vessel runs down into the sea, it creates friction. We could use the friction generated to create electricity. As vessel runs under the smooth sea, the ship captain can have an option to use gas or navigate the boat to create additional friction. The boat could also run faster compared to the traditional boats,” he said, adding that he is confident with his concept “because I have already shown it to my European counterparts.”
Nonilo Peña, Science Research Specialist chief of the Energy and Utilities Systems Technology Development Division of the DOST, penned a letter dated April 21, 2017 to ASU, saying Salvador’s proposal has already passed the agency’s initial screening.
Peña also told Salvador to provide a more comprehensive discussion on the current marine transport scenario, include statistical data, provide a concept design, and specify raw materials to be used.
The proponent should also consult with the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers or at least a naval architect for the project.
“I had already complied with all such the requirements. I was told that the PCIEERD may release a decision to my proposal this June or July,” said Salvador. “There is a huge potential in the research and use of wave energy since it is just now a starting research.”
Salvador worked for 20 years at the Norwegian Shipping Company. He decided to put up a shipyard in the province which repairs boats mostly from the island of Boracay.
In 2002, Salvador wrote a letter to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the implementation of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH).
In 2003, Arroyo opened the SRNH connecting islands through tourism and trade. The first SRNH policy was formulated in the time of President Fidel Ramos.
Salvador was an Outstanding Aklanon awardee in 2009 because of his ingenuity in the field of marine transport./PN
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