Agreement on solid wing sails

Norway’s Yara Marine Technologies (YMT) and UK-based Bar Technologies (BarTech) have signed an agreement to design and install solid wing sails suitable for large commercial vessels including bulk carriers and tankers. A vessel from Cargill, a global food corporation, is likely to have the first retrofit installation in 2022.

The new technology, called the BARTech WindWings by Yara Marine Technologies (WindWings), could yield fuel savings of up to 30%, the partners said, when combined with route optimisation.

WindWings will be available globally from YMT, which will handle procurement, construction, installation, service, and training in key locations. BarTech, meanwhile, will retain the obligation to continue to innovate and establish additional WindWings offerings, the companies said.

YMT chief executive, Thomas Koniordos, commented: “As we look to set the shipping industry on track to decarbonise, Bar Technologies’ innovative product will be a crucial step on that journey. We already have most of the value chain set up, and we are getting ready to sell and deploy this breath-taking technology. “Since we first began discussions with Bar Technologies, we’ve been increasingly impressed with the scope of the technology, and the firm’s commitment to continue to refine and develop the offering. We’re very much looking forward to beginning work on behalf of Cargill for the first vessel installations.”