Cargill's wind propulsion trial data shows technology's 'potential'

The MC Shipping Kamsarmax-sized dry bulk vessel had been retrofitted with two large, solid wind sails that developer BAR Technologies calls WindWings. 

According to Cargill, the technology "achieved performance consistent with what was predicted which is equivalent to an average of 3 tonnes of fuel [saved] per day".

“We are encouraged by the results and have learned a great deal about implementing wind-assisted propulsion on dry bulk vessels,” said Cargill Ocean Transportation president Jan Dieleman. 

Since the start of its wind-propulsion trials in August 2023, Pyxis Ocean has sailed the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, North and South Atlantic, and passed Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.

The ship was retrofitted with two WindWings, each measuring 37.5 m in height and installed vertically with the ability to be raised or lowered. The wings are controlled by a touch panel on the bridge. A traffic light system tells the crew when to raise or lower the sails. Once raised, their operation is fully automated, with sensors on board taking wind measurements and adjusting the sails to the optimal configuration.

The technology, like other types of wind-assisted propulsion, aids vessels’ main engines to allow for travel at the same speed on less fuel. 

"Wind-assisted propulsion has the potential to be a cost-efficient way of supporting International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new greenhouse gas strategy. One of IMO’s 2030 targets is to have 5%, striving for 10%, of energy coming from very low carbon sources by 2030. Wind assisted propulsion could be an important way of achieving this," Cargill said.

"The early voyages have provided insight on more than just the application of the sails on a vessel, it has also highlighted broader logistical challenges in the global maritime system. Given that every port, terminal and berth is different, their involvement is critical towards integrating wind-assisted propulsion technology into the global maritime system on a wider scale."

BAR Technologies chief executive John Cooper said, “The results of Pyxis Ocean’s first voyage with WindWings installed clearly demonstrate that wind-assisted propulsion can secure significant fuel savings and emissions reduction. For example, in near optimum sailing conditions, during an open sea voyage, Pyxis Ocean achieved fuel savings of 11 tonnes per day. And while Pyxis Ocean has two WindWings, we anticipate the majority of Kamsarmax vessels will carry three wings, further increasing the fuel savings and emissions reductions by a factor of 1.5. With Cargill now able to validate our performance predictions and modelling in real-world conditions, it’s an exciting time as we begin to roll out WindWings production globally."

Cargill said it is engaging with more than 250 ports to find options for vessels with large-scale wind-assisted propulsion units like those from BAR Technologies to berth. 

The company said it will continue the trial on Pyxis Ocean before scaling up.