With the shipping industry estimated to be responsible for about 2.1% of global carbon dioxide emissions, the hunt is on for greener technology to reduce those numbers.
Eyeing a possible solution in what could prove to be a pivotal moment for the industry, shipping firm Cargill has retrofitted a cargo ship with enormous, rigid “WindWings” sails designed to slash fuel consumption.
The Pyxis Ocean vessel is now on its maiden voyage from China to Brazil to put the technology through its paces ahead of a possible rollout for the commercial shipping industry. The journey is expected to take around six weeks.
The 123-foot-tall sails are made from the same material used for wind turbines for maximum durability, folding down when the ship is in port and opening up when it’s out on the open sea.
The technology is the creation of British firm BAR Technologies. Its CEO, John Cooper, said that Cargill got in touch and asked if it could invent a wind propulsion system for its ships. “They arguably know more about shipping than BAR Tech; we’re the techie guys knowing how to invent things and that partnership has been really, really strong.”
Using wind power rather than engine power could reduce a ship’s emissions by 30% over its lifetime, according to Cargill.
“The maritime industry is on a journey to decarbonize; it’s not an easy one, but it is an exciting one,” said Cargill president Jan Dieleman. “At Cargill we have a responsibility to pioneer decarbonizing solutions across all our supply chains to meet our customers’ needs and the needs of the planet.”
The WindWings project is co-funded by the European Union as part of the CHEK Horizon 2020 initiative and offers a retrofit solution to decarbonize existing vessels.
The performance of the WindWings on the Pyxis Ocean will be carefully monitored during its voyage, with the gathered data helping engineers refine the design, operation, and performance of the sails before potentially bringing the technology to other cargo ships across the industry.
Related Posts
Mercedes-AMG F1 City Edition E-Bike: High-Octane Performance on Two Wheels
Unleash the Power: Performance Meets Precision Under the hood…errr frame…the City Edition e-bike houses a 750W motor that powers you to speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist. Need an extra push? When necessary, the throttle assist engages allowing you to cruise effortlessly. They’ve even provided four riding modes::
Tax Season Deals: Get the most out of your refund this year
If you want one of the best tablets for business, you'll quickly realize that you might want a keyboard along with it. One of the greatest parts about the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, as well as one of its biggest drawbacks, is its keyboard. See, normally, the keyboard comes separately (it is fully detachable) and that can seriously jack up the price. However, if you get this bundled deal you can get both components in one helpful box and even save yourself $300.
Unleash fun and savings: discover local adventures with Groupon’s “Things to Do”
Why Groupon’s "Things to Do" is Worth Exploring Groupon deals go a step beyond saving on your everyday purchases and open the door to unforgettable experiences. Imagine escaping from a high-stakes mystery room, perfecting your crepe-making skills in a cooking class, or enjoying a discounted spa day. You’ll also find deals on fitness classes, local tours, and even activities like ax-throwing (highly recommend this) and glass-blowing workshops.