Yara to offer wind-assisted propulsion solutions

Yara Marine Technologies has partnered up with BAR Technologies to design and implement wind-assisted propulsion for the shipping industry.

Under the agreement, Yara Marine will offer WindWings in its portfolio to ship owners and manage the value chain of procurement, construction, installation, service, and training.

This will include WindWings for the first commercial retrofit to a Cargill vessel, expected for delivery in 2022.

BAR Tech will retain the obligation to continue to innovate and establish additional WindWings offerings.

As the maritime industry looks to cut emissions in line with the IMO targets for 2030 and 2050, wind propulsion solutions such as solid wing sails have the potential to offer up to 30% in fuel efficiency savings, according to BAR Technologies.

BAR Technologies, Cargill and other WindWings project partners are in regular dialogue with class society DNV. The companies have already been through the rigours of Hazard workshops in order to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the product as they look to obtain Approval In Principle for the solution.

WindWings feature large solid wing sails that measure up to 45 meters in height, fitted to the deck of bulk cargo ships to harness the power of the wind. This original size will be one of three specifications to be brought to market.

“Yara Marine has consistently demonstrated its ability and dedication at providing commercial shipping operators with new emission reducing technologies, throughout the value chain, which made them a natural partner for the program,” John Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, BAR Technologies, said.

“Working with Yara to deliver the first installation of WindWings for Cargill sets the benchmark as a true industry first, and we believe that the combination of expertise afforded by all parties marks out the technology for long-term commercial success.

“Wind propulsion is increasingly important due to its high energy saving potential and because it works well in any combination with other devices and fuels. WindWings is a novel solution which is a great addition to our toolkit and through our partnership we will bring bespoke wind solutions to customers who are actively seeking to reduce CO2 emissions from their supply chain,” Jan Dieleman, President, Ocean Transportation, Cargill, added.

Deltamarin, in partnership with Cargill and BAR Technologies, has launched a virtual showroom of their WindWings technology.

The developers believe that the design of a vessel where the sails are fitted is equally important taking into account the required characteristics for maximal performance with wind assistance.