Imtech Marine Group (global technical services provider) has been commissioned to supply the entire ‘green’ technical infrastructure on board Greenpeace’s new flagship ‘Rainbow Warrior III’. This is not an isolated project. Together with a large number of other initiatives, it serves as proof of the present development in ‘green’ ships.

Imtech CEO René van der Bruggen: ‘Our society is becoming more and more ‘green’ at an increasingly fast rate. Technology plays a leading role in this development. The trend towards ‘green’ technical infrastructure started in the energy and buildings sector. This was followed by ‘green’ data centres, and now this trend has also manifested itself in the maritime sector. As a technical services provider with an ability to offer ‘green’ total solutions through the combination of electrical engineering, ICT and mechanical engineering, we can offer the right services that align with this societal trend, all the more so because we can rely on a wide range of ‘green’ technical competences. The assignment involving the vessel ‘Rainbow Warrior III’, as well as various other ‘green’ maritime initiatives, means that Imtech is also able to operate as a front runner in the ‘green’ maritime market.’

Rainbow Warrior III

The ‘Rainbow Warrior III’ (almost 58 metres in length) is the successor of the present eponymous Greenpeace flagship ‘Rainbow Warrior II’. As an international environmental organisation that works to bring about a sustainable balance between humankind and the environment, by means of research, consultation and actions, Greenpeace wants its new flagship to be the ultimate example of sustainability. The ship therefore has a ’green’ design, is constructed from environmentally friendly materials, is equipped with ‘green’ technology and is characterised by the recycling of energy and water. The design is based on an extensive sustainability study. Preliminary tests were carried out at the Delft University of Technology and in a wind tunnel operated by Wolfson Unit Southampton.

The ‘Rainbow Warrior III’ will be fully equipped with sails. Imtech Marine Group will be handling the engineering and a number of ‘green’ technical solutions, including the energy-efficient electrical propulsion, which results in considerable energy savings and substantially lower carbon emissions compared to a conventional propulsion system. This technology will only be used when there is not enough wind to sail. The emitted residual heat will be used to heat the water system. The intelligent integration of all electrical and electronic systems on board allows for additional energy savings. An important role has been assigned to the sustainable platform automation and the intelligent energy distribution system, which will be installed by Imtech. In addition, Imtech will provide the ship, which has been fitted with a helicopter platform, a conference room for 50 people and a ‘campaign office’, with the most up-to-date navigation and communications technology.