BlueNose, a maritime innovation startup based in London, has secured $460,000 from the U.K. Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6) to enhance aerodynamic efficiency in commercial shipping. This seven-month feasibility study, part of the Department for Transport’s UK SHORE program and conducted by Innovate UK, will support Project WAVE until March 2026. Collaborating with lomarlabs, BlueNose aims to develop inflatable and foldable wind-deflector modules to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across the global fleet.
The project will utilize data from Lomar vessels and European satellite weather datasets to refine shape-generation algorithms for optimal aerodynamic performance. Additionally, it includes a modular assembly strategy and engagement with classification societies to navigate the approval process and identify potential hazards.
BlueNose anticipates fuel savings of up to 5% for large vessels, translating to nearly $1 million in annual savings for operators of 8,000-TEU containerships. The initiative could also enhance air quality in ports by reducing harmful emissions. Léon Grillet, Co-Founder and CEO of BlueNose, emphasized the importance of this study in accelerating maritime decarbonization and improving efficiency in vessel design.
