ORIX Corporation and Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd. (SHI-ME) have initiated a feasibility study to explore the use of wind power for energy-saving operations on one of ORIX’s bulk carriers.
This study focuses on implementing a wing-shaped soft sail made of advanced polyethylene fiber fabric, measuring 8 meters in height and 13.2 meters in width, which will assist in propulsion by harnessing wind energy. The primary goals of this initiative are to reduce the consumption of heavy fuel oil and decrease CO2 emissions.
SHI-ME and NORTH SAILS JAPAN (NSJ) will handle the design of the wind-assisted propulsion system and analyze operational data, while ORIX will be responsible for the installation of the soft sail and the collection of fuel efficiency data during operations.
As informed, through this effort, ORIX and SHI-ME seek to improve the fuel efficiency of existing vessels and advance the practical application of wind-assisted propulsion systems powered by green energy.
To remind, a report recently published by Bureau Veritas found that up to 30% of the global fleet could embrace wind propulsion by 2050.
