Architects express excitement over hybrid trimaran project

Architects express excitement over hybrid trimaran project
Jun Aguirre -December 7, 2018 https://businessmirror.com.ph/architects-express-excitement-over-hybrid-...

NEW Washington, Aklan—Naval architects in the Philippines are reportedly excited over the ongoing construction of the hybrid trimaran project, a fast craft that would use a mix of gas and ocean-wave energy.

In a news conference last Tuesday, Nonilo A. Peña of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (Pcieerd) said the project passed through several critiquing and assessment by several experts in the country.

Peña, chief of the PCieerd technology division, was here to witness the ceremonial keel-laying and blessing of the project at the Metallica Shipyard.

Jonathan Salvador, an Aklanon shipyard owner, partnered with the Aklan State University (ASU) to introduce his concept of building a trimaran vessel that would run using ocean-wave energy.

Ocean wave energy is captured directly from surface waves or from pressure fluctuations below the surface, according to the United States’ Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

The Pcieerd, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), conducted a strict evaluation of the project after receiving the proposal, according to Salvador.

He added the project has an overall budget of P96 million, some P78 million of which came from the DOST. The remaining budget will be shouldered by the ASU.

Romeo L. Amuan of the Maritime Industry Authority said that naval architects from the Central Office are keeping a close eye on the development of the fast craft to ensure the project’s success.

“When materialized, this project is a major breakthrough in the shipping industry in the country,” Amuan said. “This is first in the world.”