Demonstrations are currently taking place for an innovative power solution being retrofitted onto an ultramax bulker as part of a four-year research initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the long-distance maritime sector. The project, known as WHISPER, has recently completed the installation of a rigid wingsail and solar panels on the dry bulk carrier Maria Tipoc, marking the first of two demonstrations, with a containership also involved.
The 60,155-dwt bulker was retrofitted by Tsuneiship Shipbuilding and is now sailing trans-Pacific to Vancouver to test the new systems. This project features the inaugural installation of OceanWings’ tiltable rigid wingsail on a bulker, along with the final installation of Solbian’s solar panels, following a prototype test on the sistership Paolo Topic in March 2024. The aim of the rigid wingsail is to reduce the power demand on the main engine, thereby lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while the solar panels provide renewable energy for onboard operations.
As the sea trials progress, the project transitions from installation to data collection. These trials will assess system performance under real operating conditions, focusing on energy production, fuel-saving potential, reliability, and vessel integration. The findings will be crucial for demonstrating how modular technologies can be effectively retrofitted to existing vessels while maintaining safety and operational flexibility.
WHISPER, which began in January 2023 and will run until December 2026, involves 13 partners from six European countries and is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program. The initiative aims to achieve approximately 30% fuel savings on retrofit bulk carriers and up to 15% on retrofit containerships. A future test on a Samskip containership will include the installation of SideWind’s horizontal wind turbines and Solbian’s solar panels, showcasing innovative integration strategies for renewable energy solutions in maritime operations.
