‘World’s first’: Nuclear transport operator picks wing sail technology to install on its ships

Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) has become “the first nuclear transport operator in the world” to install and trial revolutionary new sail technology on its specialist ships in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint.

In collaboration with Smart Green Shipping (SGS), a renewable marine technology specialist, the project aims to establish new ways of reducing fuel and greenhouse gas emissions on its nuclear ships.

The installation of SGS’s FastRig wing sail has been completed on the Pacific Grebe, one of NTS’ specialist vessels designed for the safe transport of nuclear cargo worldwide.

The FastRig wing sail is a lightweight, retractable system that uses advanced sensors and automated technology to adapt to varying weather conditions, to ensure safe and efficient deployment and retraction to maximize fuel efficiency.

This innovative technology harnesses wind power to enhance the ship’s propulsion, with the potential to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 30% when fully implemented, according to the company.

“We are proud to be working with Smart Green Shipping on this pioneering project as we continue our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of safety and security in the transport of nuclear materials,” Seth Kybird, NTS CEO said.

“The addition of the FastRig system aligns with our goals for sustainable operations and demonstrates our commitment to pioneering green technologies in the maritime sector.”

Pete Buchan, NTS’s Managing Director of Shipping, remarked that although the project is still in the trial phase, it represents “the first real-world application of the wingsail technology”. He suggested that this innovation could “significantly transform” maritime operations by “drastically reducing emissions and fuel consumption” across the industry.

The ship has left its home port of Barrow-in-Furness and will be running sea trials this month.

“NTS is allowing SGS to undertake formal sea trials which gives us accurate, independently verified performance data against which we can corroborate the digital models and tank testing results the University of Southampton have been developing,” Diane Gilpin, CEO of Smart Green Shipping, commented.

Nuclear Transport Solutions is part of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), a public body responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient clean-up of the UK’s nuclear legacy. NTS currently has three specialist nuclear vessels in its fleet.