Plastic bottles needed for hybrid vessel project

KALIBO, Aklan – Thousands of plastic bottles are needed to build a government-sponsored trimaran vessel.

The bottles that would be placed below the vessel would make it float, according to Engineer Jonathan Salvador of the Metallica Consultancy and Fabrication Services based in New Washington, Aklan.

“I am planning to launch the campaign to gather used plastic bottles before this year ends,” Salvador said.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has partnered with Metallica Consultancy and Aklan State University for the hybrid trimaran vessel project.

The vessel – which could carry 100 people and 4 vehicles – will use ocean wave energy to make its engine run.

The DOST in February allocated P76 million for the project, which is aimed to be completed in two years.

But the two-year deadline may be extended, according to DOST secretary Fortunato dela Peña.

“I have received report that the fabrication of the ship has been stalled due to government’s procurement program. The DOST may extend the contract of two years when necessary,” he added./PN