Energy
Thursday, October 19th, 2023 1:56 pm EDT
Key Points
- Innovative WindWings Technology: The Pyxis Ocean, a cargo ship, features WindWings, which are large, rigid sails measuring 37.5 meters tall. These WindWings use wind power to help propel the ship, aiming to reduce its fuel consumption and carbon emissions in the maritime industry, which accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Efforts to Reduce Fuel Consumption: WindWings were added to the vessel to cut its fuel consumption by approximately 20% during its voyage. Cargill Ocean Transportation, which chartered the Pyxis Ocean, calculates that using WindWings could lead to a 30% reduction in fossil fuel consumption when three wings are installed on a new ship. If the vessel is powered with biofuel, this reduction could increase to 50%.
- Combining Wind Power and New Fuels: While wind power alone may not achieve net-zero emissions, combining wind power with new, more environmentally friendly fuels can significantly reduce fuel usage and emissions. Biofuels like green methanol and green ammonia are costlier than fossil fuels but, when combined with wind power, can offer financial benefits with quicker payback periods, encouraging more ship owners to adopt such environmentally friendly solutions.
The Pyxis Ocean, a cargo ship, is fitted with two large, rigid sails known as WindWings, measuring 37.5 meters tall, which use wind power to help propel the vessel, aiming to reduce its fuel consumption and carbon emissions. This technology has been added to the ship with the goal of cutting fuel use by about 20% on its voyage. Cargill Ocean Transportation, which chartered the Pyxis Ocean, suggests that WindWings could contribute to a 30% reduction in fossil fuel consumption when three wings are installed on a new-build ship. If the vessel is powered with biofuel, that figure could go up to 50%. The maritime industry has committed to reducing emissions to net zero “by or around” 2050. The WindWings technology aims to combine wind power with traditional engines to significantly reduce fuel usage. While biofuels are more costly than fossil fuels, the addition of wind power can enhance the financial viability of such environmentally friendly initiatives.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/19/wind-powered-cargo-ships-with-sail-like-wings-could-reduce-fuel-use-by-30percent.html
