BAR Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies reach exclusive agreement to design and implement wind-assisted propulsion for the global shipping industry. Solid wing sails will offer the shipping industry up to 30% in fuel efficiency savings.
Yara Marine will offer WindWings in its portfolio to ship owners globally and manage the value chain of procurement, construction, installation, service and training for the WindWings in global locations, ensuring ready availability of the technology to meet the needs of the shipping industry worldwide. This will include WindWings for the first commercial retrofit to a Cargill vessel, expected for delivery in 2022.
In order to ensure a smooth pathway to bring the technology onto the global stage, BAR Technologies, Cargill and other WindWings project partners are in regular dialogue with class society DNV, and have already been through the rigours of Hazard workshops in order to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the product, ensuring significant progress towards Approval In Principle.
To tackle the challenge of shipping’s need to reduce carbon emissions whilst adhering to tight arrival schedules, WindWings offers up to a 30% reduction in fuel consumption for bulk carriers, tankers and other large shipping vessels, by combining wind propulsion with route optimization. The product features large solid wing sails that measure up to 45 meters in height, fitted to the deck of bulk cargo ships to harness the power of the wind. This original size will be one of three specifications to be brought to market.
Under the terms of the agreement, Yara and BAR Tech will sell WindWings to the wider shipping industry, with BAR Tech retaining the obligation to continue to innovate and establish additional WindWings offerings.
John Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, BAR Technologies, said: “Working with Yara to deliver the first installation of WindWings for Cargill sets the benchmark as a true industry first, and we believe that the combination of expertise afforded by all parties marks out the technology for long-term commercial success. Moving forward, the time is right for WindWings to be offered across the global industry, by benefitting from Yara Marine’s extensive network and experience.”
Jan Dieleman, President, Ocean Transportation, Cargill, said: “Wind propulsion is increasingly important due to its high energy saving potential and because it works well in any combination with other devices and fuels. WindWings is a novel solution which is a great addition to our toolkit and through our partnership we will bring bespoke wind solutions to customers who are actively seeking to reduce CO2 emissions from their supply chain. We’re pleased that Yara Marine will be partnering with BAR Technologies on WindWings, as it brings our first retrofit ever closer.”
Credit: Yara Marine
