NYK Group Installs Its First Wind-Assisted Ship-Propulsion Units On Bulk Carrier
NYK Bulkship (Atlantic), NV (Head Office: Antwerp, Belgium; “NBAtlantic”), a subsidiary of the NYK Group, has installed its first wind-powered ship propulsion units on the NBA Magritte bulk carrier on July 8, 2024.
The installation was completed at the port of Rotterdam, marking the NYK Group’s first use of this technology.
The NBA Magritte, under a long-term charter contract with Cargill (USA), has two newly installed VentoFoil units.
These units, developed by Dutch-based company Econowind, are set up on 20-foot-long flat rack containers with 16-meter vertical wings.
The VentoFoil units, functioning as suction sails, are expected to generate approximately five times the force of non-suction alternatives.
Video Credits: NYK Line Official/YouTube
Some of the key features of VentoFoil, include:
Enhanced Propulsion: It uses pressure differences on both sides of the wing to generate propulsion, hence reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Suction Port: A suction port increases propulsion by allowing wind to enter the vessel.
Ease of Operation: It can be activated and deactivated via a touch panel on the bridge, minimizing crew workload.
Compact & Relocatable: The smaller size allows for easier installation and relocation.
Foldable Design: It can be folded in 5 to 6 minutes, allowing for easy baggage handling.
Video Credits: NYK Line Official/YouTube
The NBA Magritte, an 82,000-dwt Panamax bulker built in 2013, was fitted with suction sails between its hatches. Each sail is 52.5 feet tall and is fixed on a 20-foot base, allowing for fast folding down.
NBAtlantic, in partnership with Cargill International Inc. and NYK R&D subsidiary MTI Co., Ltd., will collect data on propulsion efficiency, meteorology, and sea conditions during the vessel’s voyage.
The data will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion systems.
The effort aligns with NYK Group’s long-term goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions for its oceangoing companies by 2050.
The insights gathered from this initiative will help to develop and promote a variety of energy-saving solutions, including wind power.
The NYK Group’s entry into wind-assisted propulsion reflects a broader industry trend, with many ships and shipowners investigating wind propulsion systems to reduce emissions.
Cargill, the NBA Magritte’s charterer, is now trying alternative wind propulsion technology and other environmentally friendly shipping methods.
Cargill is also involved in the development of the first major methanol-powered bulkers, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable shipping techniques.
Reference: NYK
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