Cargill and BAR Technologies collaborate to reduce shipping CO2 emissions by 30%

Cargill and BAR Technologies have embarked on a strategic project with naval architect Deltamarin to bring cutting edge wind propulsion technology to commercial shipping. The project will see BAR Technology’s WindWings – large, solid wing sails that measure up to 45 meters in height – fitted to the deck of bulk cargo ships to harness the power of the wind and reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 30 per cent. The number of wing sails can be tailored to the size of the vessel and the route it will take.

BAR Technologies – a spin-off from Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) – was formed in 2016 making the design knowledge, technical skills and intellectual property developed for America’s Cup yacht racing available for the commercial world.

“Through this partnership, we will bring bespoke wind solutions to customers who are actively seeking to reduce CO2 emissions from their supply chain,” says Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business. “Changing regulations and uncertainty about future greener marine fuels makes choosing the right vessel to charter with a long-term view complicated. With the WindWings technology, Cargill will be able to offer customers a solution that improves vessel efficiency, independent of the fuel or type of engine used.”

“Wind is a near marginal, cost-free fuel and the opportunity for reducing emissions, alongside significant efficiency gains in vessel operating costs, is substantial. We’ve invested in our unique wind sail technology to provide vessel owners and operators with an opportunity to realise these efficiencies,” says John Cooper, BAR Technologies’ CEO.

The maritime industry faces a huge challenge to reduce average CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030 and working towards 70% by 2050, compared with 2008 levels. Cargill is one of the industry’s largest players, chartering a fleet of more than 600 vessels at one time, recognises its responsibility to accelerate decarbonisation progress, and has brought the necessary vision and scale to convert BAR Technologies’ inspiration into measurable efficiency savings.

The project is currently in the design phase, bringing together a team of companies to deliver the first vessels – expected on the water by 2022. The team will share risk and expertise, starting with product tankers before moving to dry bulk vessels.

“Cargill’s endorsement of our technology is a very significant step forward at the forefront of the industry. Together we’re putting our words into action, marking this project as a first of its kind. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Cargill to bring this ground-breaking technology to life and look forward to exploring further efficiency opportunities together in the future,” says Martin Whitmarsh, chairman, BAR Technologies.