University of Southampton Leads Sea Trials for Wind-Powered Cargo Ship to Cut Global Shipping Emissions by One-Third

University of Southampton Leads Sea Trials for Wind-Powered Cargo Ship to Cut Global Shipping Emissions by One-Third

(IN BRIEF) Scientists from the University of Southampton have begun sea trials on a wind-powered technology designed to reduce the carbon emissions of large cargo ships by up to a third. The wing-sail, developed by Smart Green Shipping, was retrofitted onto the Pacific Grebe, a 5,000-tonne cargo vessel. The trials, part of a UK government-funded project, aim to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovation in cutting energy demands and fuel consumption in the maritime sector. The Department for Transport believes that wind power could be applied to as many as 40,000 ships, particularly bulk carriers and tankers. If widely adopted, wind power could help significantly reduce shipping’s global carbon footprint.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, 24-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A cutting-edge wind-powered technology is being tested to power large cargo ships and significantly reduce their environmental impact. Scientists from the University of Southampton have begun sea trials of a retractable 20-meter wing-sail aboard the cargo ship Pacific Grebe in UK waters. This new technology, developed by Smart Green Shipping, is designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to a third by harnessing wind energy. The project, supported by UK Government funding, is part of a broader initiative to make the maritime industry more sustainable.

Dr. Joseph Banks from the University’s Marine and Maritime Institute emphasized the potential of this innovation to reduce fuel consumption and energy demands while cutting costs and emissions. By validating performance through these trials, the team aims to demonstrate how larger ships on longer journeys could benefit from this system.

Di Gilpin, CEO of Smart Green Shipping, noted that if the 40,000 ships suitable for wind power adopt this technology, global shipping emissions could be significantly reduced. She stressed that while alternative fuels are still being developed, wind power provides an immediate and reliable solution to help the industry transition to zero emissions.

University experts have been working on this and other maritime innovations for decades, contributing significantly to the global shipping sector. They hope these real-world trials will boost confidence in wind-assisted technologies and their ability to curb shipping’s carbon footprint.

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SOURCE: University of Southampton