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B9 Shipping Reveals Flagship for the Future

B9 Energy, the largest independent operator of wind farms in the UK, announced today (5th November) through B9 Shipping that it was taking a new tack and will be launching its first fossil fuel free cargo ship in 2012. The sailing vessel will be commercially competitive with conventional oil powered vessels, operating to reliable schedules and offering attractive freight rates.

Benefitsof the new craft include:

Fossil fuel free sailing cargo ship augmented by biogas engine

Regional Regeneration – ships built locally

B9 Ships provide vital carbon neutral trading link for small island developing states

About 60% of the propulsion for the 3000dwt bulk cargo vessels will be provided by the wind, through a straightforward soft sail system with zero carbon emissions. The remaining 40% comes from B9 Organic Energy sourced biogas powered engines with a carbon neutral performance.

World shipping accounts for some 3-4% of global GHG emissions and, high on the Agenda at the upcoming Copenhagen Climate talks, shipping will be forced to make significant carbon reductions or face financial penalty. Coupled with escalating oil prices shipping is heading for uncertain times. B9 Ships offer stable, future proof freight rates by harnessing natural power sources.

The principle design tenets are that B9 Ships are simple to build and easy to operate to ensure rapid uptake of the vessels in markets across the world.

Drawing on specialist laser cutting steel plate techniques B9 Ships can be manufactured in small shipyards across the UK, and beyond, regenerating declining domestic shipbuilding. B9 Shipping offers crews attractive, long term employment opportunities.

B9 Ships’ ability to service small island developing states contributes to the global thrust to support developing nations adapt and mitigate against climate change. Small islands have been effectively isolated from participation in world trade. B9 Ships stimulate clean, affordable economic development by facilitating fossil fuel free trading providing a viable alternative to traditional, emission generating consolidation and trans-shipment services, which are slow, unreliable and expensive.

David Surplus, MD B9 Shipping, said: “B9 Ships re-establish the UK as a leader in maritime technologies and a pioneer in developing innovative and effective ways of employing renewable energy. B9 Ships are the flagships of the future low carbon economy. We demonstrate that ethical development, collaboration, commitment and an innovative approach deliver workable, commercially viable solutions for the good of the local and global communities and for long term welfare of the planet”

For more information visit www.b9shipping.com or contact Diane Gilpin on + 44 (0)1380 812657 or +44 (0) 7768 312176 or by email digilpin@aol.com

Source: B9 Shipping 05/11/09