How ships could one day harness the power of the waves

Researchers are working on a way of using wave energy to help make ships greener. — AFP Relaxnews

Scientists in China are currently developing a mechanism to enable boats to capture and store wave energy to meet on-board power needs. While this approach is still in its infancy, it could help reduce carbon emissions from maritime transport.

Researchers at China’s Shanghai Ship and Shipping Research Institute are working on a way of converting wave energy into power to meet on-board needs by using an oscillator system inside the ship’s structure. This concept involves the ship acting as a platform capable of transforming kinetic energy (from the boat’s movements) into electrical energy.