Berge Bulk has launched its Newcastlemax bulker, Berge Olympus, with four retrofitted BARTech WindWings by Yara Marine Technologies.
Emission-free wind power
According to Berge Bulk, with four WindWings installed, each possessing an aerodynamic span of 37.5 metres height and 20 metres width, the Berge Olympus will save 6 tonnes of fuel per day on an average worldwide route and, in the process, reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 19.5 tonnes per day.
With these fuel savings and CO2 reductions, Berge Bulk is evaluating the potential of installing WindWings on more of its vessels that trade on routes with favourable wind conditions.
In addition to the installation of the WindWings, Berge Olympus has been retrofitted with a shaft generator system. The shaft generator is driven by the main engine to supply electric power to the vessel, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions. With a 1MW capacity, it is sized to eliminate the need to operate auxiliary engines while at sea.
Key info:
- The WindWings are large, rigid sails that can be adjusted to optimise the aerodynamic performance of the ship.
- Each of the four WindWings is 20m wide and 37.5m tall, which is taller than a 10-story building.
- The total surface area of the four wings is 3,000m2, which is more than three times the surface area of the wings of an A380 airplane (843m2).
- The WindWings can save up to 20% fuel, reducing CO2 emissions by 19.5 tonnes per day on an average worldwide route.
The Marshall Plan
Berge Bulk has deployed a four-pillar decarbonisation plan that focuses on improving fleet efficiency, leveraging the latest maritime technology, piloting new fuels and investing in carbon capture, Berge Bulk calls it the Marshall Plan.
James Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, Berge Bulk, noted that they are constantly striving to enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of their existing fleet. From 2008 until today, they have achieved a remarkable 46% reduction in their CO2 emissions per tonne mile, already surpassing the 2030 IMO target for reducing carbon emissions intensity.
There’s still so much to do as we accelerate the transition to new fuel in the zero-carbon future. That is why we are proud to partner with BAR Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies to pioneer this WindWing system. The Berge Olympus is a testament to innovation and sustainability.
… said James Marshall
Meanwhile, John Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, BAR Technologies stated that they believe there is more to be done to harness wind power and push shipping into a greener, and more efficient era. To that end, they are already working on superior hydrodynamics and new types of accommodation blocks with several vessel designers, he added.
We are proud to work with trusted partners such as Berge Bulk and ensure that this technology can be scaled and manufactured to shipping’s high standards, ensuring a robust and resilient supply chain that can meet industry demand.
… concluded Thomas Koniordos, Chief Executive Officer, Yara Marine Technologies
