As the Navy continues improving energy efficiency, it is important that mission effectiveness and advanced technologies remain priorities. Through the work of the Maritime Working Group, both of these goals can be met.

This group ensures that naval ships have up-to-date technology using energy conscious products. Through Naval Sea Systems Command’s Fleet Readiness Research and Development Program, the Navy is testing five technologies on seven ships to demonstrate energy-saving initiatives that are ready to install and will improve mission effectiveness.

Other programs, such as the High Efficiency HVAC and the Hybrid Electric Drive for DDG-51 class ships, are improvements to existing shipboard technologies that will both help with fleet readiness and decrease the ships’ energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. If implemented on ships in the future, these initiatives could greatly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels..

The Maritime Working Group also sponsors the Incentivized Energy Conservation (i-ENCON) initiative, a hands-on “Meet the Fleet” program.  Program sponsors conduct routine meetings with ship operators to review specific fuel-saving procedures and recommend quarterly awards for ships with the most fuel-efficient operations.

These energy improvements not only reduce energy consumption and fuel emissions, but are cost-effective, which will enable the Navy to build future fleets for a more affordable price. With less money being spent on fossil fuels for the tactical systems, the Navy can fund the technologies and systems that will better support future maritime missions.