US-based Cargill, UK’s BAR Technologies, Norwegian firm Yara Marine and Mitsubishi Corporation, have all collaborated to develop BAR Tech WindWings, an innovative wind propulsion technology for commercial shipping.
This initiative aims to harness wind power for propulsion, potentially reducing environmental impact. The partnership combines expertise from various industries and could lead to greener and more sustainable shipping practices.
Sustainable shipping
Mitsubishi Corporation’s vessel Pyxis Ocean, chartered by Cargill, has been retrofitted with two WindWings – large wing sails up to 37.5 meters tall, capable of harnessing wind power.
Yara Marine Technologies produced these sails, which are expected to achieve up to 30 per cent fuel savings on new ships and more with alternative fuels.
The installation occurred at China’s COSCO shipyard, and the Pyxis Ocean is now on its maiden voyage, showcasing this innovative wind propulsion technology.
Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill’s Ocean transportation business says, “The maritime industry is on a journey to decarbonise—it’s not an easy one, but it is an exciting one. At Cargill, we have a responsibility to pioneer decarbonising solutions across all our supply chains to meet our customer’s needs and the needs of the planet.”
“A technology like WindWings doesn’t come without risk, and as an industry leader – in partnership with visionary shipowner Mitsubishi Corporation – we are not afraid to invest, take those risks and be transparent with our learnings to help our partners in the maritime transition to a more sustainable future,” adds Dieleman.
Reducing CO2 emissions
The installation of WindWings signifies a shift in adopting technology for energy transition in existing vessels.
Co-funded by the European Union under the CHEK Horizon 2020 initiative, the WindWings project offers a retrofit solution that can help the shipping industry meet decarbonisation targets. This is crucial given that a considerable portion of the global bulker fleets, around 55 per cent, is relatively young, up to nine years old.
The WindWings’ performance on the Pyxis Ocean will be monitored to enhance their design and operation. This aims to inform their adoption not only in Cargill’s fleet but also across the industry.
BAR Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies plan to construct numerous wings in the next four years, while also researching improved hydrodynamic hull forms for newbuilds.
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies says, “If international shipping is to achieve its ambition of reducing CO2 emissions, then innovation must come to the fore. Wind is a near-marginal cost-free fuel and the opportunity for reducing emissions, alongside significant efficiency gains in vessel operating costs, is substantial.”
“Today is the culmination of years of pioneering research, where we’ve invested in our unique wind sail technology and sought out a skilled industrialisation partner in Yara Marine Technologies, in order to provide vessel owners and operators with an opportunity to realize these efficiencies,” adds Cooper.
More about the WindWing project
The WindWing project has obtained funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 955286.
WindWings utilise wind power to aid vessel owners in adhering to CII rules while providing efficiency gains due to the clean, predictable, and non-depleting nature of wind energy.
WindWings offer substantial fuel savings of around 1.5 tonnes per day on average global routes, potentially more on transoceanic journeys. This translates to cost savings of nearly $800 per tonne of heavy fuel oil (HFO). These savings are particularly valuable considering the expected higher costs of future fuels.
Brief about Cargill
Cargill is a global player in the food industry, connecting farmers to markets and families to essential products. Their 160,000 team members prioritise innovation, responsibility, and sustainability, contributing to methane-reducing feed and waste-based renewable fuels.
With a 158-year history, Cargill remains committed to its values of a people-first approach, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct.
About BAR Technologies
BAR Technologies is a provider of design and engineering consulting services across various sectors. These sectors encompass Workboats and Commercial Vessels, Shipping, Special Projects, and Leisure Marine and Yachts.
The company boasts a comprehensive team of experts, including naval architects, optimisation specialists, fluid dynamists, mechanical and structural engineers, composite engineers, control strategy experts, and data simulation engineers.
They employ “cutting-edge” tools and commercial insights to deliver cohesive solutions in design and innovation.
About Yara Marine Technologies
Yara Marine (YMT) is a provider of green technologies for a more environmentally sustainable maritime industry. Since 2010, they have been dedicated to reducing maritime emissions and offer solutions like SOx scrubbers, fuel optimisation systems, shore power solutions, and the innovative WindWings wind-assisted propulsion system.
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Yara Marine has additional offices in Sweden, Poland, and China.