Syroco EfficientShip Labelled Solar Impulse Efficient Solution

It took a great deal of information preparation and data crunching, and a thorough evaluation by the Foundation’s mandated experts, but the verdict came out on the last day of June: Syroco EfficientShip has been awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label, a proof of high standards in profitability and sustainability.

The assessment was performed by external independent experts and based on verified standards. EfficientShip is thereby joining the #1000solutions challenge, an initiative by the Solar Impulse Foundation to select solutions that are both profitable and sustainable, and present them to decision-makers to fast-track their implementation. 

A thorough submission and evaluation process

To receive the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label, EfficientShip was assessed in depth by a pool of independent experts according to 5 criteria covering the three main topics of Feasibility, Environmental and Profitability. 

Responding to all questions of the submission took quite a bit of work, for information gathering and also to prepare a Solution Environmental Impact (SEI) calculation. This tool, developed by the Solar Impulse Foundation, provides a methodology to evaluate the environmental impact of a solution compared to its mainstream alternative. This is done by collecting information regarding process steps and/or components responsible for the potential environmental impacts when comparing the solution to its mainstream alternative. 

Preparing the SEI was a very interesting exercise, and consistent with Syroco’s approach to measuring the efficiency of the solution for clients and therefore the impact on the environment. 

Reconciling profitability with sustainability

One of the first to envision ecology through the lens of profitability, Bertrand Piccard, the initiator and visionary behind Solar Impulse, has always advocated that solving climate change - rather than an expensive problem - is a fantastic market opportunity. This is completely consistent with Syroco’s values of combining environmental sustainability with business sustainability. 

Syroco EfficientShip is joining now the #1000solutions portfolio that will be presented to decision-makers in business and government, encouraging the adoption of more ambitious environmental targets and fast-track the implementation of these solutions on a large scale. 

Zooming on some of the benefits

Here are some environmental benefits highlighted in the solutions catalogue: 

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  • A typical merchant ship (over 100m long) burns between 10 and 350 tons of fuel per day, and produces 8,000 and 280,000 tons of carbon per year.
  • There are approximately 42,000 merchant ships over 100m long, which burn a combined 450 million tons of fuel per year.
  • Syroco EfficientShip reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions of a merchant ship by 10%.
  • For a typical containership or tanker, Syroco EfficientShip saves 25,000 tons of CO2 per year.