Berge Bulk will equip its 210 DWT Newcastlemax bulker Berge Olympus with four BAR Tech WindWings of Yara Marine Technologies. The solid wing sails will measure up to 50 metres in height and will be capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to thirty per cent through a combination of wind propulsion and route optimisation.
‘This partnership with BAR Tech and Yara Marine is a great step towards our transition to zero-emissions operations,’ says James Marshall, CEO of Berge Bulk. ‘We believe in the results that can be achieved by harnessing wind power. Evaluating this groundbreaking technology, the estimated impact on reducing emissions can be at least as significant as transitional fuels. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with BAR Tech and Yara Marine to install the first WindWings on board Berge Olympus and for the optimisation needed when deploying such innovative technologies.’
Also read: BAR and Yara introduce WindWings to global shipping market
Thomas Koniordos, CEO of Yara Marine Technologies: ‘A successful transition to a lower-carbon future can only be achieved through an inclusive approach. I strongly believe that many valuable solutions deserve greater attention, and wind-assisted propulsion is one of them. This collaboration between Berge Bulk, BAR Technologies, and Yara Marine skyrockets the momentum for wind propulsion.’
‘By retrofitting WindWings technology to existing vessels, firms like Berge Bulk can begin to make an immediate impact on decarbonising their fleets while at the same time seeing significant efficiencies in current fuel use,’ adds John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. ‘With Berge Bulk joining a pipeline of WindWings installations through 2023, we look forward to working with our partners to make significant inroads into reducing vessel carbon emissions.’
Also read: Knud E. Hansen signs up for world’s first wind-powered RoRo vessel Orcelle Wind
Approval in principle
BAR Technologies announced in November 2021 an approval in principle (AiP) by DNV for BAR Tech WindWings by Yara Marine Technologies. This AiP assures the industry of the practicality and safety of the technology through a comprehensive assessment of the system’s design specifications, safety and usability considerations, and general applicability to sea-going vessels. The AiP also examines the deployment and functionality of WindWings in operation, use in extreme weather conditions, and system redundancy.
The WindWings will be installed on board Berge Bulk’s vessel in the second quarter of 2023.
Also read: Yara Marine to equip four Stena Line vessels with shore power solutions
