Bar Technologies champions wind propulsion

The comments are in response to a new report by UMAS and the UCL Energy Institute’s Shipping and Oceans Research Group which looks at developing nations’ ability to access affordable financing for e-fuels and highlights how barriers could prevent countries in the global south from transitioning to greener fuels.

“While e-fuels hold promise, they come with significant costs and financing challenges that could hinder the global effort to decarbonise the shipping industry, especially in developing economies,” said John Cooper, chief executive of BAR Technologies.

While BAR Technologies supports ongoing efforts to develop alternative fuels like e-ammonia, they believe wind propulsion – an abundant, zero-emission and self-sufficient energy source – should be seen as a key player in the fuel mix.

“Wind-assisted propulsion systems like WindWings will provide a scalable and commercially viable solution that not only helps meet decarbonisation targets but does so in a way that is accessible to all nations, regardless of their economic status,” continued Cooper.

With the International Maritime Organisation aiming for zero or near-zero emissions by 2030, BAR Technologies stresses the need for affordable, sustainable solutions. Their WindWings technology, already in use on vessels worldwide, reduces fuel consumption and emissions by harnessing wind power.

“We need to leverage the wind that’s already available and deploy technologies like WindWings, which deliver immediate fuel savings and emissions reductions without the need for complex and expensive new infrastructure,” said Cooper.

“Wind-assisted propulsion offers a low-cost, scalable alternative that can be part of the broader mix, complementing the transition to cleaner fuels.”