◾️Ship is a Small Earth

A ship is a “circulatory system” made up of limited space and resources. Water is one of the

most important resources. Drinking, washing, cooking, and draining - all water is precious on

a ship.

In Project Seatopia's vision of futuristic vessels, how will water be reused and circulated in a

sustainable manner? The key to this is an onboard water circulation system.

1. The Reality of Insufficient Water ～Awareness of Issues Connecting Shipboard and the

World～

Due to various factors such as climate change, underdeveloped infrastructure, and population growth, access to safe water is becoming increasingly difficult in an increasing number of regions around the world. On the ground, we can say that water shortages are becoming more serious today.

Once a ship sets out on a voyage, it is surrounded by the sea, and in a sense, the environment on board is the same as on the ground, where water shortages are becoming more serious.

However, even on long voyages where it is difficult to supply water from the outside,technology for desalinating seawater as well as making water used on board usable again has greatly expanded the possibilities for navigation.

2. What is an Onboard Water Circulation System?

Domestic wastewater generated in the ship's bathrooms, laundry, toilets, kitchens, etc. is treated in a “water treatment system” installed in the bottom of the ship. Here, the water is returned as reclaimed water through processes such as filtration, biodegradation, and sterilization. The reclaimed water can then be used again for toilets, laundry, cooling water,etc.

Learning about “the water cycle of the ship” leads to being in touch with “the flow of life of the earth's water.” Ingenuity in a limited space will lead to an awareness of the entire planet.... A small circulation is the gateway to a large circulation.

3. Evolving Technology ～Application of Wisdom Cultivated on Land and in Space～

Currently, there are several advanced approaches to water circulation technology for marine applications.

・MBR (Membrane Bioreactor) method: A method that combines microbial degradation and membrane filtration to obtain high-quality recycled water. Practical examples in closed spaces such as cruise ships are increasing.

・ Reverse osmosis (RO) + UV disinfection method: A treatment method that removes impurities at the molecular level and can purify water to the drinking water level. Although energy-intensive, it ensures safety.

・Space-derived complete circulation system: The device used on the International Space Station, which recycles almost all water, is attracting attention as a “complete water circulation model” in extreme environments, and its application to closed systems on Earth (ships, polar regions, disaster sites) is also being considered.

This system of water treatment and reuse is being expanded into a “comprehensive recycling system” linked with waste treatment, heat recovery, and energy generation (biomass utilization, etc.), and future ships are beginning to take on the form of small urban functions that circulate not only water but also all of life.

◾️Images of Use in Project Seatopia

Project Seatopia aims for the ship to be more than just a “means of transportation,” but a center for future creation where humanity and the global environment can be regenerated. In this context, the following futuristic applications of desalination technology and water circulation systems on board are envisioned.

1. Function as a Future Education Ship

The flow of reclaimed water and the circulation of water resources will be “visualized” in amobile learning space where children and adults can learn through experience. An educational

deck equipped with water cycle demonstration equipment and observation windows is also

envisioned.

2. Circulating Community Experimental Vessel

We will recreate a “recycling lifestyle” on board the ship that includes not only water, but also energy, food, and the reuse of waste materials. As a model for small sustainable cities of the future, we will promote dialogue and co-creation while calling at ports around the world.

3. Platform as a demonstration field

It also serves as an “offshore laboratory” for testing new domestic and international technologies related to water treatment, seawater desalination, and water reclamation. In collaboration with researchers and companies, it will become a field for accelerating social implementation of environmental technologies.

4. Fusion Space of Art and Science

Installation, video, and music expression based on the beauty of circulating water and the sound and flow of water can also be developed. The space is also being considered for use as a space that encourages the restoration of sensitivity, where water itself can serve as inspiration.

◾️Conclusion

The “water cycle” on board ships is moving closer to a more realistic future, but there are still

issues to be resolved.

・Improved energy efficiency: Devices to reduce power consumption of processing equipment

・Maintainability: Designed to function reliably over long periods of operation

・Cost: Cost reduction and miniaturization for widespread use

・Psychological resistance: How to overcome resistance to using reclaimed water

While clearing these one by one, Project Seatopia, as a ship that realizes the water cycle, imagines a future life, a place where we can feel connected to the earth, and a form of civilization that lives with nature.