Japan’s NYK Line is becoming the latest ship operator to test wind-assisted propulsion on their large vessels. They join other Japanese majors including Mitsui O.S.K. and K Line which are testing different forms of wind-assisted propulsion technology.
Cargill (USA)
BA Magritte had the pair of 16-metre tall wings installed at the port of Rotterdam and will operate the systems during its long-term charter to Cargill (USA).
The companies said the ship will collect data on the propulsion provided by the wings along with weather and ocean conditions to establish the effectiveness of the technology.
ٍSuction sail
VentoFoils are a suction sail type wind assisted propulsion system which can be folded down to improve access to hatches for cargo loading and unloading operations.
A touch panel
Pressure differences between each side of the wing are used to provide propulsion power to the ship, amplified by ventilators which create a vacuum behind the wing.
Econowind says the system is automated and can be switching on and off through a touch panel in the bridge, minimising impact on crew workloads.
NYK compatriate MOL
The installtions are the latest in a growing trend of wind power adoption within shipping as owners look to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions for regulatory compliance. NYK compatriate MOL set a target of 80 wind propulsion installations in its fleet by 2035.
Cargill International
The NYK ship will be operated by NYK Bulkship will be sailing under a long-term charter to Cargill International. Cargill has been moving forward aggressively testing different forms of alternative power to reduce emissions from ships transporting it materials.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding
Working with Mitsubishi Corporation, BAR Technologies, and Yara Marine Technologies, reported that they would be installing BAR’s windwings on another bulker this year as part of a project that began in 2019. Working with Danish shipping company J. Lauritzen
Enter service 2025
Cargill will charter methanol-fueled bulkers being built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding. The vessels are due to enter service 2025 and 2026.
Wind power
NBA Atlantic will be used in a test project that will collect data on the propulsion generated by the wingsail, in addition to meteorological and ocean conditions during navigation.
Working with Cargill, NYK says it will measure the unit’s effectiveness. The NYK Group will utilize the knowledge gained in this research and development to promote initiatives related to various energy-saving technologies, including the use of wind power.
NYK Line released videos showing the wings folding, and NBA Magritte leaving Rotterdam.
Read more :
NYK Engine Facility for Testing New Fuels Begins Operation
Japan’s NYK Line with Cargill to Test Its First Wingsails on a Bulker
