Berge Bulk unveils emission busting wind cargo ship

The WindWings installation is part of Berge Bulk’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2025 and marks the Berge Olympus as the world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship.

“At Berge Bulk, we are constantly striving to enhance our efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our existing fleet,” said James Marshall, chief executive officer, Berge Bulk.

”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.”

Wind power

With four WindWings installed, each possessing an aerodynamic span of 37.5 metres height and 20 metres width, the Berge Olympus will save six tonnes of fuel per day on an average worldwide route.

In the process, it will 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.

“Wind-assisted propulsion has the potential to offer immediate long-term solutions for shipping’s pathway to Net Zero,” said Thomas Koniordos, chief executive officer, Yara Marine Technologies.

”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.”

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.

This installation is in itself ground-breaking and concludes a programme that saw multiple vessels retrofitted with the technology.