Cargill Launches Landmark Journey to Explore Potential of Wind Power in Shipping Industry
Cargill, a prominent ship charterer, has recently taken a progressive step towards reducing emissions and energy usage in the shipping sector. The company has launched a chartered dry bulk ship equipped with special sails, marking its first voyage to study the potential of wind power in the maritime industry.
With the global pressure to decarbonize and minimize CO2 emissions, the shipping sector has come under scrutiny as it accounts for nearly 3% of total global emissions. Consequently, industry players are actively exploring various technologies, such as wind power, ammonia, and methanol, to replace the dirtier bunker fuel commonly used in ships.
Cargill, for its part, has long been researching wind-assisted propulsion as a cleaner energy option. Wind power was traditionally utilized to power ships before the advent of steam and diesel engines. While it is mostly considered suitable for smaller vessels in modern times, Cargill is determined to expand its applications in the shipping industry.
Jan Dieleman, the president of Cargill’s ocean transportation division, acknowledged that retrofitting the five-year-old Pyxis Ocean with WindWings, large wing sails measuring up to 37.5 meters in height, was a risky move. However, Dieleman hopes to demonstrate the economic viability of wind power and gain the confidence of the industry.
Cargill aims to recoup the retrofit costs through fuel savings and plans to scale up the use of wind power on other ships, potentially through newbuilds. The Pyxis Ocean, which will sail from Singapore to Brazil, is likely to transport a cargo of grain to Denmark. It will then remain in the north Atlantic area to maximize wind usage.
The innovative sails installed on the Pyxis Ocean were developed by BAR Technologies, known for their expertise in boat designs for the America’s Cup. The construction was carried out by Yara Marine Technologies in Norway.
This landmark journey by Cargill highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and their determination to explore alternative energy sources in the shipping industry. With the increasing demand for greener solutions, it is expected that more companies will follow suit in the quest for a more sustainable future in maritime transportation.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”