BARTech, Yara Marine to offer wind-assisted propulsion for shipping industry

UK-based BAR Technologies (BARTech) announced on Monday that it has entered into a partnership with Yara Marine Technologies to design and implement wind-assisted propulsion for the global shipping industry.

The pair plans to bring to market the WindWings product, which features large solid wing sails with a height of up to 45 metres (147.6 ft). Fitted to the deck of bulk cargo ships, the system is expected to deliver a fuel usage reduction of up to 30% for bulk carriers, tankers and other large shipping vessels.

Yara Marine will manage the value chain of procurement, construction, installation, service and training for the particular product and will offer it to ship owners around the world. BARTech will retain the obligation to continue to develop WindWings offerings, the announcement says.

The two partners will initiate their collaboration by delivering WindWings for deployment on a Cargill vessel, which is expected to happen next year.

“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,” said Jan Dieleman, president of ocean transportation at Cargill.

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