Aklan: Plastic bottles needed for trimaran’s fabrication

Plastic bottles needed for trimaran’s fabrication
Jun Aguirre - September 9, 2018 https://businessmirror.com.ph/plastic-bottles-needed-for-trimarans-fabri...

KALIBO, Aklan—A local shipyard in Aklan province may be needing thousands of plastic bottles for the fabrication of an environment-friendly boat. Engr. Jonathan Salvador of the Metallica Consultancy and Fabrication Services in New Washington, Aklan, said the plastic bottles will be placed below the hull as part of its plan to make the trimaran unsinkable.

“I am planning to launch a campaign to gather used plastic bottles before the year ends,” Salvador said. The vessel will be run with mix gas and ocean-wave energy.

In February the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided P76 million for the fabrication of a prototype trimaran hybrid vessel.

Salvador and the Aklan State University are partners in the project. They were given two years to build the prototype.

During the Regional Science and Technology Week celebration held in Roxas City on August 29, Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, who served as a keynote speaker, reiterated the fabrication of the trimaran.

“I have received reports that the fabrication of the [boat] has been stalled due to the government’s procurement program. The DOST may extend the contract for two years when necessary,” de la Peña said during a news conference.

The water vessel, when materialized, will be the first in the country and probably the world. It was gathered that several countries in Europe will have the same kind of technology and boat to be released in 2025.

The vessel would accommodate 100 passengers and four vehicles onboard.

The project is also in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority and the DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development.