Isle of Wight’s Hybrid Marine scoops green award
Hybrid Marine has won the Practical Boat Owner Magazine Green Product of the Year award for its new hybrid marine engines, which utilise both diesel and electrical power.
Hybrid diesel/electric drives have been making a stealthy appearance in the marine market for a number of years, but Isle of Wight-based Hybrid Marine are the first to offer a viable add-on to existing engine installations.
Hybrid Marine's system mounts a 7.5kW electric motor in parallel with the existing diesel plant. By a system of clutches, the boat can then be propelled by electric or diesel power. When the diesel engine is running, the motor is driven in reverse to recharge the batteries, or charging can also occur under sail by the spinning prop driving the motor - this is known as regeneration.
The environmental implications of the system are considerable. Diesel engines are at their most efficient, and therefore least damaging to the environment, when they are run at around 75 percent revs and are fully warmed up. Sailors use the engine in that way when cruising, but also frequently use it in short bursts to leave or enter a berth.
The system powers a vessel using electrical power but can be backed up with a reliable diesel engine if required. The hybrids also double as powerful generators when the engine is running.
Managing director of the firm Graeme Hawksley said: "We are an Isle of Wight home-grown enterprise and are immensely proud to be contributing to the green Island ethos. Hybrid Marine is poised for a rapid expansion and will bring quality jobs to the Island. "
Other 2009 winners included Portsmouth-based Sunsail, Wilks Marine in Essex and the British Marine Federation's Green Blue campaign. If you are a company with serious green credentials then applications are now open for the 2010 PBO Green Awards.
There are four categories in which you can enter:
Product
Marine products that promote sustainable boating.
Boats and boatbuilders
Company or craft incorporating eco-friendly design and/or production
Service
Charter businesses, marinas, maintenance, repair and support providers actively reducing the impact of the leisure-boat industry on the environment
Campaign or Initiative
Individual or group effectively promoting sustainability in boating and/or the marine industry
The closing date for applications is 30 April 2010. Go to http://www.pbo.co.uk/news/427220/pbo-green-awards to find out more. For more information on Hybrid's Marine's winning product go to http://www.hybrid-marine.co.uk
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