B9 Ships are powered by a combination of proven technologies - conventional soft sails and biogas marine engines. The company has collaborated with Rolls Royce, Graig Investments, Corus Steel, International Paints, Southampton University`s Wolfson Unit and the Met Office to develop the new vessel. About 60 per cent of the thrust comes from conventional soft sails and, in calm conditions or to manoeuvre in port, a carbon neutral bio-methane engine is used. The first vessel will be launched in 2012, to coincide with the opening of new biomass power stations across the UK. B9 Ships will be used to import bio material from the Baltics, to support the emerging biomass energy requirements of the UK. The company anticipates a need for 50 ships by 2020 to give the biomass industry compliance with the 10 per cent energy in transport target of the Renewable Energy Directive.