Wind-powered cargo ships with sail-like ‘wings' could reduce fuel use by 30%
The Pyxis Ocean, a bulk carrier that looks like any other dry cargo vessel, but with a difference: it is fitted with two large, rigid sails known as WindWings.
The ship left Shanghai, China on August 1, and had around 20 crew members on board. Its voyage took it from Paranagua in Brazil to Poland, before setting sail to Tenerife on the Spanish island. He added, "I get excited when I combine wind with new fuels because the cost of the new fuels is three to four times higher. Then [by adding wind energy] you'll probably see your payback in two or three years, instead of ten years." The folded-down wings that helped Pyxis Ocean sail between China and Brazil, arriving in Sept 2023.
Cargill ordered five bulk carriers powered by methanol, with the first vessel ordered in 2022 before the WindWings had been tested at sea. Dieleman stated that while the Pyxis' Ocean voyage was relatively smooth, some ports were hesitant to accept it "because it is different". WindWings may not be suitable for every vessel. For example, it would not be possible to install the WindWings on a ship carrying large containers with multiple layers. "This is, in my opinion, a prime instance of people coming together and genuinely [being] willing to make an impact, while taking some risks. "We have an owner who is letting us make big holes in the boat -- that's not something every owner is willing to do," Dieleman stated.