Belgian Firm Reveals Innovative Zero-Emission Autonomous Feeder Vessel Design

Belgian marine innovation firm ZULU Associates has unveiled its latest concept design for an innovative autonomous short sea container vessel. Named the ZULU MASS, the 200 TEU capacity vessel incorporates an auxiliary wind assistance system and other technologies the boundaries of maritime innovation.

The design of the ZULU MASS is being developed in collaboration with Dutch ship naval architects Conoship International.

“Working with Conoship, we are challenging ourselves to build the most advanced and innovative vessel we can,” said ZULU Associates CEO Antoon Van Coillie.

The vessel aims to be fully electric and autonomous, with the addition of wind blades and wave foil propulsion. The design represents a significant step forward for short sea shipbuilding, as it embraces new possibilities for zero-emission shipping.

The ZULU MASS will be operated by ZULU Associates’ subsidiary, the Anglo Belgian Shipping Company, and will primarily serve the English Channel. The vessel will utilize modular energy containers, powered by batteries and/or hydrogen-based systems, as its primary energy source. Discussions with energy providers are currently underway to finalize the most efficient and sustainable power solution.

While autonomy in the maritime industry is still in its early stages, ZULU Associates aims to demonstrate the potential of unmanned vessels and advocate for regulatory advancements to keep pace with innovation. The ZULU MASS has been designed to operate as part of a Maritime Autonomy System, allowing it to compete with fossil-fueled or hybrid vessels.

ZULU Associates fully supports the Belgian Government’s commitment to driving clean maritime innovation. Belgium has already established a legal framework for pilot projects featuring unmanned vessels in the North Sea, and this has provided the necessary confidence for ZULU Associates to invest in the ZULU MASS. Belgium, the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands have also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, aiming to harmonize certification procedures for unmanned ships sailing between the four countries. The simplification of these procedures will facilitate the launch of the ZULU MASS as a world-first in 2025.

The ZULU MASS represents a significant expansion of ZULU Associates’ portfolio, as it is a larger seagoing version of the inland waterways 90 TEU X-Barge, which is currently in the final stages of construction design.

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