Revolutionary zero-emission, autonomous container ship design revealed

ZULU Associates, with its subsidiary, Anglo Belgian Shipping Company Ltd, have revealed the concept design of their 200 TEU short sea container vessel, the ZULU MASS, featuring an auxiliary wind assistance system.  This vessel is a larger seagoing development of the inland waterways 90 TEU X-Barge, currently under final construction design.

The innovative ship aims to be fully electric, autonomous, and incorporate wind blades and, possibly, wave foil propulsion. The design also focuses on operating with modular energy containers using batteries and/or hydrogen-based power systems.

Working with Conoship we are challenging ourselves to build the most advanced and innovative vessel we can. As a result, apart of being fully electric and autonomous, we’re adding wind blades and examining wave foil propulsion.

… said Zulu Associates CEO Antoon Van Coillie

The Zulu MASS is intended to be unmanned as part of a Maritime Autonomy System, contributing to the advancement of autonomy in the maritime industry.

Additionally, as informed, Zulu Associates is actively engaging in discussions with energy providers to ensure the vessel’s operational sustainability. The project aligns with Belgium’s commitment to marine innovation, with a legal framework for unmanned vessels in the North Sea since July 2021. 

Additionally, as informed, Zulu Associates is actively engaging in discussions with energy providers to ensure the vessel’s operational sustainability. The project aligns with Belgium’s commitment to marine innovation, with a legal framework for unmanned vessels in the North Sea since July 2021.