Acer Group founder Stan Shih is personally leading a cross-industry collaboration, partnering Acer and Wistron with Formosa Plastics, Novatec Yachts, and Monte Fino Yachts to build zero-carbon emission yachts in Taiwan. In addition to focusing on the zero-carbon emission economy, this project also aims to promote related technologies to small islands worldwide, which has significant business potential.
Back in 2022, Stan Shih invited Dr. Gunter Pauli, the founder of the Blue Economy, along with his innovative experimental ship, the MS Porrima, to dock at Kaohsiung Port. The goal was to promote understanding and get close to technology by learning from the ocean, gaining insights into current and future technological innovations, and how this will bring new business opportunities to Taiwan's sustainability.
Pauli launched Blue Economy in 2008 and circumnavigated the world on the MS Porrima in 2010, making it the first solar-powered ship to circumnavigate the world. Not only does it sail with green technology but it can also utilize microfluidic technology to capture plastic nanoparticles in the ocean as fuel. It's also equipped with 3D visual systems and other advanced technology.
Shih announced on September 18 the establishment of Porrima Inc. in collaboration with Gunter Pauli to build the Porrima future ship. It aims to ally with various industry partners to establish a Porrima Future Ship ecosystem supply chain in Taiwan. Partners include Acer, Wistron, Novatec Yachts, XING Mobility, RePV Tech, Monte Fino Yachts, Formosa Plastics, and Bamboola Taiwan.
Pauli mentioned that the original plan was to renovate Porrima in India, incorporating materials like bamboo. However, India lacked the relevant manufacturing technology. After contacting Shih, they decided to bring the ship to Taiwan for refurbishment. Apart from being a zero-carbon emission ship, it will also implement the latest AI technology. Pauli emphasized that this would create an entirely new industry for Taiwan.
For example, the carbon fiber material commonly used to build ship hulls is almost monopolized by Japan's Toray, which has resulted in high prices. The collaboration with Formosa Plastics can disrupt the current industry situation and also bring new business opportunities to Formosa Plastics. Taiwan, already known for its yacht manufacturing prowess, can also capitalize on the green and environmentally friendly trend.
Shih and Pauli stated that the investment in zero-carbon emission yacht construction is to build an innovative global industry. Porrima has successfully circumnavigated the globe multiple times without using fossil fuels, covering a total distance of 160,000 km. It's expected to undergo a comprehensive transformation in the fall of 2023.
As for the partners, Acer and Wistron will provide support in the field of AI technology. Formosa Plastics will provide carbon fiber and participate in the hull construction. RePV Tech will provide solar panels with 92% recyclable material that can reduce carbon footprints by 60%.
Additionally, battery system supplier Xing Mobility will provide an immersive cooling battery system that's both safe and has a highly efficient output. Shih mentioned that they are currently searching for suitable hydrogen fuel cell partners, preferably from Taiwan. If none are available, they will collaborate with foreign manufacturers. All three ships will be manufactured in Kaohsiung.
Regarding the market for such advanced future ships, Shih stated that the EU has already banned diesel-powered ships from docking in certain ports. With the ongoing green trend, future business opportunities are inevitable. In addition to the Porrima 111, which will be showcased at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, three smaller future ships will also be manufactured to reduce costs through scale, with the completion date expected to be February 2025.
Moreover, the education sector is expected to be one of the opportunities as well. Porrima 111 serves as a demonstration. There are plans to turn it into a Blue Academy to showcase clean, zero-carbon emission technologies. Approximately 3,000 students are expected to visit Asia to learn about technological innovation and zero-carbon emission technologies.
Pauli stated that the future ship's business model will include the ship itself. Promoted by the green and eco-friendly trends, the ship will attract buyers. Furthermore, a ship is like an island, requiring water, electricity, and food. The recyclable and eco-friendly technology used on the ship is also applicable to small islands. Therefore, this technology can be sold to islands in the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean.
Article translated by Jack Wu
