Berge Olympus Utilizes 4 Giant Steel Sails to Harness Wind Energy, Reducing Emissions on the Route Between Brazil and China.
Berge Bulk, a Singapore-based dry bulk shipping company, has launched its latest vessel named Berge Olympus. This cargo ship promises to revolutionize the shipping industry. The groundbreaking initiative behind this new vessel features 4 BARTech WindWings sails manufactured by Yara Marine Technologies. These enormous steel sails are designed to harness wind energy, significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as reported by Interesting Engineering on October 18.
The Berge Olympus dry bulk carrier equipped with 4 wind sails measuring 20m wide and 37.5m high. (Photo: Berge Bulk)
With the WindWings, Berge Olympus will undertake long journeys between Brazil and China, a trade route known for its favorable wind conditions. Each WindWing sail measures 20m wide and 37.5m high, significantly larger than the wings of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. They boast a total surface area of 3,000m2, more than three times that of the airplane.
The environmental impact of this advanced technology is equally impressive. On its global route, Berge Olympus is expected to save 6 tons of fuel daily, corresponding to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and approximately 19.5 tons of CO2 emissions per day. These figures align with Berge Bulk’s commitment to sustainable operations.
“At Berge Bulk, we continuously strive to enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our current fleet. Since 2008, we have reduced CO2 emissions by 46% for every ton of cargo transported over a distance of 1.6 km, surpassing our target set for 2030,” shared James Marshall, CEO of Berge Bulk.
Marshall emphasized the need to promote the transition to zero-carbon fuels while acknowledging the collaboration with BAR Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies, the companies behind the WindWing system. Prior to Berge Olympus, WindWing was introduced on the M/V Pyxis Ocean, a 80,000-ton bulk carrier, marking a new milestone. The Pyxis Ocean, belonging to MC Shipping, a subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Group, completed its maiden voyage from Shanghai to Singapore with two WindWings, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of this technology.
According to WindWings, Berge Olympus is equipped with a co-axial generator powered by the main engine. This advanced system provides electricity for the vessel, eliminating the need for auxiliary engines at sea, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions. This represents a breakthrough development that brings Berge Bulk closer to its goals of sustainable operations.
