Vesconite Bearing joins International Windship Association

The International Windship Association (IWSA) has welcomed polymer supplier Vesconite Bearing as its newest member.

Vesconite Bearings joined the 130-organisation-strong IWSA following its acceptance in August into the non-profit organisation as a technology and service provider.

IWSA facilitates and promotes wind propulsion for commercial shipping worldwide and brings together all parties in the development of a wind-ship sector to shape industry and government attitudes and policies.

This is said to be in line with Vesconite Bearings’ belief in the importance of wind-propelled or partially-wind-propelled ships.

“Ships using wind propulsion are important since this reduces the greenhouse gas emissions of the shipping industry,” Petrus Fourie, Vesconite renewables and marine-applications engineer, said.

“By introducing wind propulsion into commercial shipping, fuel consumption and, thus emissions, can be reduced by 30%-100%.”

“This reduces greenhouse emissions and provides huge savings for commercial shipping operators,” Fourie added.

Being a member of IWSA provides Vesconite Bearings with good opportunity to contribute its experience in renewable energy, marine and shipping, the company said.

“Technology to provide primary or secondary wind propulsion for ships requires high strength, low speed, low maintenance and long life bearings, which work well in the marine environment,” Fourie explained.