MOL is joining the International Windship Association (IWSA), and pushing ahead with the installation of a hard sail system on a coal carrier, as part of a project called Wind Challenger with local utility Tohoku Electric Power.
Specifically, the project focuses on the use of advanced sails to provide propulsion for merchant vessels. Also, the project aims to reduction of vessels’ fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions reduction, by using the wind power.
Some of the companies that have already joined IWSA, is Bureau Veritas, Maersk, Renault, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, Chantiers De L’Atlantique, Fehn, CMCS, Enercon, Blue Planet Shipping and many more shipping companies.
In light of its sustainable steps and goals to a greener future, the International Windship Association (IWSA) has received the 2019 GREEN4SEA Initiative Award, for its important role at promoting wind propulsion within the industry and the impacts it has on making shipping cleaner.
In the meantime, Wärtsilä and Norsepower signed a cooperation agreement that will enable Norsepower to order service work from Wärtsilä, while Wärtsilä can pursue and sell Norsepower Rotor Sail projects with support from Norsepower.
Norsepower has a manufacturing capacity and big demand for its Rotor Sails; Thus, this partnership will help the company strengthen its customer service, aiming to tankers, passenger ferries and cruise ships, as well as dry cargo vessels.
Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Asset Management Services at Wärtsilä commented
The industry is transforming and we intend to be at the forefront of this change. We are really enthusiastic about this cooperation with Norsepower, which is a great example of our commitment to enabling sustainable societies with smart technology.
