6 minute read
The free fuel. Wind propulsion for shipping decarbonisation
by John Cooper, CEO, BAR Technologies
The maritime sector is under increasing pressure to decarbonise, with the challenges of rising carbon pricing mechanisms, regulatory changes, and shifting fuel landscapes. The focus of the industry has been firmly on new fuel alternatives, but the blindly obvious solution that has been significantly overlooked is wind. Wind propulsion offers an abundant, proven, low-cost, zero-emission alternative that not only addresses the carbon footprint but also reduces fuel dependency in a way that is readily accessible, scalable and, importantly, free at the source.
At BAR Technologies, we believe that wind propulsion, particularly through our innovative WindWings® technology, must be recognised as a core part of the solution. While the shipping industry grapples with the complexity and uncertainty of new fuels, wind is a reliable, available, and self-sufficient energy source that can be harnessed today.
With the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2030 emission targets fast approaching, it's imperative that we include wind propulsion in the conversation alongside other technologies. Wind is a unique fuel in that it requires no production, no refining, and comes with zero-carbon intensity, making it an obvious choice as part of the fuel mix for decarbonisation strategies.
Complementing the transition
Our WindWings® technology is already helping vessels around the world reduce fuel consumption and emissions, providing ships with a cost-effective way to improve operational efficiency. The model range, including the 37.5/24/20-metretall 'wings' and using our patented & award-winning three-element design, ensures that our wind-assisted propulsion systems (foldable and non-foldable) meet the needs of a diverse range of vessel sizes (newbuilds & retrofits).
Unlike alternative fuels, which require significant investment and complex infrastructure that remains largely unproven and uncertain, WindWings® offer immediate reductions in fuel dependency. With wind propulsion, there is no need to put trust in the complex infrastructure that comes with the development and distribution of new fuels. Moreover, the performance of WindWings® can be optimised through advanced digital weather routing tools, which ensure that vessels maximise the fuel savings gained through the potential of wind. The solution isn't to put all our eggs in one basket with costly e-fuels that will further disadvantage developing nations. Instead, we need to leverage the wind that’s already available and deploy technologies like WindWings®, which deliver immediate fuel savings and emissions reductions without the need for complex and expensive new infrastructure. Wind-assisted propulsion offers a low-cost, scalable alternative that can be part of the broader mix, complementing the transition to cleaner fuels.
Heating debate
A common misconception in the maritime sector is that wind propulsion is unreliable or complex to operate. However, decades of meteorological data contradict this view. In fact, many of the most popular shipping routes demonstrate predictable and consistent wind patterns. This wealth of historical wind data, coupled with modern routing technology, allows us to ensure that WindWings® systems provide reliable, measurable reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. On global average shipping routes, each WindWing® saves 1.5 tonnes of fuel and reduces emissions by 4.7 tonnes of CO2 for each day of operation.
By capturing and utilising wind energy, WindWings® represent an energy source that is both eco-friendly and available at the source. This makes wind-assisted propulsion not only a sustainable solution but also a commercially viable one for shipping companies, providing an alternative to the high costs and uncertainty of alternative fuels. As the debate on new fuels heats up, it's important not to overlook the most readily available energy source we have at our disposal: wind. While e-fuels hold promise, they come with significant costs and financing challenges that could hinder the global effort to decarbonise the shipping industry, especially in developing economies. Wind-assisted propulsion systems like WindWings® will provide a scalable and commercially viable solution that not only helps meet decarbonisation targets but does so in a way that is accessible to all nations, regardless of their economic status.
The Baltic Sea region (BSR), with its busy maritime routes and challenging weather conditions, is at the forefront of the shipping industry's decarbonisation efforts. The European Union's ambitious emission reduction targets and local initiatives, including the Baltic Sea Action Plan, position the region to accelerate the adoption of green technologies. Wind propulsion offers a significant opportunity for Baltic shipping operators to meet these goals.
By harnessing the abundant wind resources in the Baltic, shipping companies can make significant decarbonisation strides. Wind propulsion offers an immediate solution while operators explore their long-term fuel transition strategies. As more vessels in the region adopt wind propulsion, the collective impact on emissions will be substantial, contributing not only to local environmental goals but also to global efforts to combat climate change. Wind should now be viewed as an essential part of the fuel mix, providing a reliable and cost-effective option as the industry works towards a more sustainable future.
The winds of change
We urge the shipping industry, particularly stakeholders in the BSR, to recognise wind as a key part of the decarbonisation mix. Wind propulsion is an essential, viable, and affordable technology that can reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and contribute to the global effort to tackle climate change. The resources are already available, the technology is proven, and the shipping industry is ready - so now we must act.
The winds of change are already here, and it's time for the shipping industry to harness this abundant resource. Wind propulsion is not just an efficiency boost; it is a fuel in itself, free and available at the point of use. By embracing WindWings® and other wind-assisted propulsion technologies, the industry can meet its decarbonisation targets. For me, I truly believe the time to act is now.
We are committed to improving the sustainability of the marine industry through innovative technological development, bringing positive environmental, social, and economic impact. Whether it is producing designs to increase fuel efficiently, or designing with fuel sources which are free of CO2 emissions in operation, we are all working for a cleaner future. Sail to bartechnologies.uk to discover more.
