Growing collaboration for wind assistance on tankers

BAR Technologies (BARTech), a simulation-driven marine engineering consultancy, has entered into a partnership agreement with Yara Marine Technologies (Yara), front-runner in the development and implementation of emissions-reduction technologies in the maritime sector. The product will now be known as the BARTech WindWings by Yara Marine Technologies (WindWings).

Yara Marine will offer WindWings in its portfolio to shipowners 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.

BARTech, Cargill and other WindWings project partners are in regular dialogue with class society DNV and have already carried out Hazard workshops 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 while 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 optimisation.

The product features large solid wing sails that measure up to 45 m 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 BARTech will sell WindWings to the wider shipping industry, with BARTech retaining the obligation to continue to innovate and establish additional WindWings offerings.

BARTech chief executive John Cooper said “Yara has consistently demonstrated its ability and dedication to provide commercial shipping operators with new emissions-reducing technologies throughout the value chain, which made them a natural partner for the programme.”

He added, “Working with Yara to deliver the first installation of WindWings for Cargill sets the benchmark as a true industry first, and we believe 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 benefiting from Yara Marine’s extensive network and experience.”

Yara chief executive Thomas Koniordos said “As we look to set the shipping industry on track to decarbonise, BARTech’s innovative product will be a crucial step on that journey. We already have most of the value chain set up and we are getting ready to sell and deploy this breath-taking technology.”

“Since we first began discussions with BARTech, we have been increasingly impressed with the scope of the technology, and the firm’s commitment to continue to refine and develop the offering. We’re very much looking forward to beginning work on behalf of Cargill for the first vessel installations.”

Cargill president ocean transportation Jan Dieleman 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 are pleased Yara will be partnering with BARTech on WindWings, as it brings our first retrofit ever closer.”

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