Agribusiness giant Cargill, one of the world’s biggest charters of ships, said it is working with technology partners to fit sails on vessels in its fleet to curb carbon emissions
With a chartered fleet of around 600 bulk carriers and tankers, the company is part of a project involving naval architect Deltamarin and engineering firm BAR Technologies to introduce wind propulsion technology to commercial shipping.
The project will see BAR Technology’s WindWings – 45-m tall, solid wing sails – fitted to the deck of bulk cargo ships to harness wind power and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30%.
Cargill Ocean Transportation president Jan Dieleman said the partnership will help the company offer customers ways to improve vessel efficiency and cut down on emissions to comply with a changing regulatory scene.
“Changing regulations and uncertainty about future greener marine fuels makes choosing the right vessel to charter with a long-term view complicated. With the WindWings technology, Cargill will be able to offer customers a solution that improves vessel efficiency independent of the fuel or type of engine used” he said.
BAR chief executive John Cooper said “Wind is a near marginal cost-free fuel and the opportunity for reducing emissions, alongside significant efficiency gains in vessel operating costs, is substantial.” Chairman Martin Whitmarsh said “Cargill’s endorsement of our technology is a very significant step forward at the forefront of the industry. Together we’re putting our words into action, marking this project as a first of its kind.”
The move is expected to support Cargill’s commitment to the Sea Cargo Charter – an initiative to commit to greater transparency in reporting emissions, of which the company is a founding member.
The project is currently in the design phase, bringing together a team of companies to deliver the first vessels – expected on the water by 2022. The team will share risk and expertise, starting with product tankers before moving to dry bulk vessels.
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