Pioneering wind-powered cargo ship sets sail
A cargo ship fitted with giant, rigid British-designed sails has set out on its maiden voyage.
Shipping firm Cargill, which has chartered the vessel, hopes the technology will help the industry chart a course towards a greener future.
The WindWings sails are designed to cut fuel consumption and therefore shipping's carbon footprint.
It is estimated the industry is responsible for about 2.1% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The Pyxis Ocean's maiden journey, from China to Brazil, will provide the first real-world test of the WindWings - and an opportunity to assess whether a return to the traditional way of propelling ships could be the way forward for moving cargo at sea.
Folded down when the ship is in port, the wings are opened out when it is in open water. They stand 123ft (37.5m) tall and are built of the same material as wind turbines, to make them durable.
Pioneering wind-powered cargo ship sets sail
Inventors hope maiden voyage will help usher in new era of greener shipping.
www.bbc.com
WATCH: Cargill-chartered Pyxis Ocean sets sails with WindWings set to save 3 tonnes of fuel a day
Pyxis Ocean, a Kamsarmax vessel owned by Mitsubishi Corporation and chartered by Cargill, has been fitted with two WindWings, a pioneering technology developed by BAR Technologies and produced by Yara Marine Technologies. WindWings is an advanced wind-assisted propulsion and route optimization...
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Pyxis Ocean - Wikipedia
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