Above: Berge Olympus fitted with BAR Technologies WindWings®.
The maritime industry must decarbonize faster than ever before, and while the path is challenging, it is undeniably exciting, writes John Cooper, CEO, BAR Technologies.
At BAR Technologies, we believe that wind is the only reliable energy source available to the maritime sector that does not compete with other industries by utilizing wind as a fuel and capturing its full potential. We offer shipowners and managers an effective way to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions, thereby enhancing long-term resilience against the volatility of traditional fuel markets.
Our revolutionary WindWings® system marks a major advancement in wind-assisted propulsion, particularly for bulkers, tankers and general cargo vessels. Developed using a patented three-element rigid wing inspired by aerospace engineering, WindWings® generates 2.5 times the thrust of a conventional single-element wing. This aerodynamic efficiency translates into substantial fuel savings and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. In today’s highly competitive shipping industry, the ability to cut emissions while boosting overall vessel efficiency is crucial. To accommodate different vessel types and operational needs, WindWings® are available in three sizes: 37.5m, 24m, and 20m.
In August 2023, we marked a historic moment in commercial shipping through a partnership with Cargill. Mitsubishi Corporation’s Pyxis Ocean, chartered by Cargill, became the first vessel to be retrofitted with two WindWings®, each measuring up to 37.5 metres in height. Fitted directly to the ship’s deck, these innovative sails harness the power of the wind to assist propulsion. Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill Ocean Transportation, summarized the significance of the project: “The maritime industry is on a journey to decarbonize; it is not an easy one, but it is an exciting one. At Cargill, we have a responsibility to pioneer decarbonizing solutions across all our supply chains to meet our customer’s needs and the needs of the planet. As an industry leader, in partnership with visionary shipowner Mitsubishi Corporation, we are not afraid to invest, take risks and be transparent with our learnings to help our partners in the maritime transition to a more sustainable future.”
This is particularly relevant given that 55% of the world’s bulker fleets are up to nine years old. In May 2024, DNV Maritime validated the performance of our WindWings® system. An interim DNV report revealed that, under favourable conditions, the two WindWings® installed on the MV Pyxis Ocean reduced the main engine’s energy consumption by an impressive 32% per nautical mile. These promising results are now informing plans for scaling up and wider adoption across the industry.
Pyxis Ocean fitted with BAR Technologies WindWings®.
At BAR Technologies, we pride ourselves on a rigorous and proven methodology for integrating WindWings®, whether they are being retrofitted onto existing vessels or incorporated into newbuilds. Our approach begins with a comprehensive feasibility study that includes an assessment of the vessel’s general arrangement to best position our WindWings®, a detailed performance analysis tailored to the specific vessel, its routes, and its operational profile. Once the potential is established, we document a tailored business case.
Working closely with all project stakeholders, we finalize the scope and objectives so that every aspect of the project is clearly defined and agreed upon. With these decisions in place, the WindWings® system moves into production, marking the commencement of the next phase.
Once production is under way, we will proceed with the vessel integration and class approval process — a standard formality to validate what has already been rigorously designed and approved. WindWings® fully comply with all necessary regulatory and safety standards set by various flag states and classification societies. In parallel, foundation reinforce - ment prefabrication will commence, ensuring the vessel is seamlessly prepared to accommodate the system with minimal disruption.
After these preparatory measures, we conduct a factory acceptance test, followed by the final delivery of the WindWings® units. With the equipment delivered, the installation phase begins. The WindWings® are installed on the vessel with precision, and comprehensive sea trials are performed to validate the system’s performance and to ensure that the anticipated fuel savings and emission reductions are achieved. Finally, the system is maintained through regular servicing and maintenance at agreed intervals, ensuring optimal performance over its lifespan.
This step-by-step methodology, from the initial feasibility study through ongoing maintenance, is at the heart of our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art wind propulsion solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the maritime industry. Our rigorous, collaborative, and meticulously executed process is what drives sustainable change and supports the decarbonization journey for our clients worldwide.
Safety is central to our mission. WindWings® has been developed to meet the highest safety standards and has received DNV Design Type Approval, with further approvals in the pipeline. Designed for a 25-year operational life, the system features an emergency fail-safe behaviour that requires zero power to operate, ensuring safe configurations under all conditions. The design accommodates full green water loading whether the system is upright or folded and incorporates complete redundancy in the folding mechanism.
The benefits of integrating WindWings® into vessel operations extend beyond immediate fuel savings. Enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions translate into a lower total cost of operation over the vessel’s lifecycle. Moreover, the space optimization achieved by our design means that retrofitting existing vessels can be accomplished without significant disruption to deck operations. By harnessing advanced wind propulsion, our clients can future proof their fleets, ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and positioning themselves at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability drive.
The strides we are making with our WindWings® system exemplify the potential of wind-assisted propulsion to revolutionize the maritime sector. Our collaboration with high-profile partners, combined with rigorous validation from class, underscores our commitment to driving sustainable change. We are dedicated to enabling shipowners and managers to achieve their decarbonization goals by enhancing operational performance.
The journey toward a greener future in dry bulk shipping is well under way, and I am confident that the integration of WindWings® will play a pivotal role in that transformation. Our technology not only offers a path to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions but also supports long-term operational resilience in an era marked by fuel price volatility and stringent environmental regulations.
Together, we can embrace the challenges of decarbonization and drive the transformation of the dry bulk shipping sector, one where wind propulsion is a fundamental pillar of sustainable maritime operations.