Portsmouth’s BAR Technologies helps launch ‘world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship’

Published by

Daniel Face

The Berge Olympus equipped with WindWings from BAR Technologies.

Portsmouth innovators BAR Technologies have contributed their wind propulsion technology WindWings to the 100,000-tonne bulk carrier Berge Olympus.

The new sails are set to save global shipping firm Berge Bulk around six tonnes of fuel a day and reduce daily CO₂emissions by 19.5 tonnes – as well as making their vessel the world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said: “We’re immensely proud to be spearheading wind-assisted propulsion through the development of WindWings.

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“We cannot afford to stand still in developing sustainable solutions for the shipping industry.

“We believe there’s more to be done to harness wind power and push shipping into a greener and more efficient era.

“To that end, we’re already working on superior hydrodynamics and new types of accommodation blocks with several vessel designers.”

BAR Technologies’ WindWings have also been installed on Cargill’s Pyxis Ocean bulk carrier, with plans in the works to roll the technology out across the company’s wider fleet.

The sails are manufactured by Oslo-based Yara Marine Technologies, with CEO Thomas Koniordos at the helm.

He added: “Wind-assisted propulsion has the potential to offer immediate long-term solutions for shipping’s pathway to net zero.

“We’re proud to 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.”

Daniel Face

Born and raised in Berkshire, Dan fell into journalism after completing his bachelor’s degree in English at UCL. Writing for The Business Magazine and local Biz News sites has given him the opportunity to chat with all manner of small business owners and share their success stories with a wider audience. Outside of work, Dan enjoys live music, board games and quiz shows, and is making a slow but persistent effort to learn Spanish.