OPPORTUNITIES FOR HARNESSING WIND POTENTIAL ON BOARD SHIPS IN THE NORTHWEST AREA OF THE BLACK SEA

The subject of this paper is to assess the wind potential for the northwestern area of the Black Sea, based on satellite-recorded data, supplied by "ASCAT" (Advanced SCATterometer) and from coastal meteorological stations in the purpose of using wind potential onboard commercial ships by efficiently produce renewable energy. The evaluation of the benefits obtained by harnessing wind power, thus generating renewable energy using contemporary technical solutions already existing within the maritime industry, has been achieved by comparing energy production costs between onboard diesel generators and wind turbines on a cargo ship.