Thirty students and trainers from across Australia will set sail on CSIRO’s research vessel Investigator for a 10-day voyage around Tasmania, part of the CAPSTAN program. This initiative promotes hands-on marine science education, enabling students to engage in activities like seafloor mapping and sediment sampling, while forging future marine experts.
Amasus, a European shipping company, is partnering with Spain’s bound4blue for a second installation of the eSail technology on one of its cargo ships. This installation will feature the largest suction sail system on a general cargo vessel, with a 22-meter unit being retrofitted on a 90-meter cargo ship.
Orix Corporation and Sumitomo Heavy Industries are collaborating on a new project to explore the feasibility of using soft sails for wind-assisted propulsion on a larger bulker ship. This innovative approach represents a departure from traditional methods, with North Sails Japan developing a furling sail made of UltraPE laminated cloth for testing.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association, along with the French Embassy and Blue Life Yacht Charters, are offering local youth training and work experience in the yacht charter industry. This program aims to prepare them for careers in this growing sector, with training taking place in Bequia over 8 weekends between October 2024 and May 2025.
Wind-assisted propulsion technology, pioneered on bulkers and tankers, is now advancing to LNG gas carriers in a joint effort by MOL and Chevron. The innovative rigid sail, known as Wind Challenger, promises significant fuel savings without major vessel modifications. Chevron’s upcoming gas carrier will be the first to showcase this cutting-edge technology, with plans for further expansion in the future.
Japan’s MOL introduces innovative Wind Challenger design for LNG carriers, collaborating with Hanwha Ocean. The plan includes two 160-foot rigid sails on a 938-foot vessel, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and achieve decarbonization goals. ClassNK grants approval for the design, with plans for 25 vessels by 2030 and 80 by 2035.
Japan’s NYK Group has installed its first suction sails on the NBA Magritte, a bulk carrier chartered by Cargill. Developed by Econowind, these sails aim to reduce vessel emissions by creating additional propulsion force through a suction port. The trial will assess the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion, aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainable shipping methods.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is expanding its use of wind-assisted propulsion for decarbonization efforts. They are testing new technologies and plan to retrofit their first bulker with the Wind Challenger rigid sail. With strong industry interest, MOL aims to launch 25 vessels with wind propulsion by 2030 and expects installations to continue growing.
French sail shipping company TOWT announced ambitious plans for carbon-free cargo shipping, with strong demand and support from investors for six additional vessels. The vessels, each 1,000 tons, will carry up to 1,100 tons of cargo. TOWT aims for 500 ships by 2050, reducing carbon emissions by 95% compared to conventional ships.
Norwegian architecture firm YSA Design created a sustainable luxury catamaran cruise ship with sail power, catering to environmentally conscious travelers. The innovative design includes 164-foot sails for propulsion, bio-methane fueled engines, and batteries for silent navigation in sensitive areas. The unique vessel offers 100 cabins, private balconies, and immersive ocean experiences.
Cargill Ocean Transportation is seeing positive results from testing wind-assisted propulsion on a Kamsarmax bulker. The Pyxis Ocean completed three voyages, achieving fuel savings and emissions reductions. The technology, developed with BAR Technologies, has shown promising results, with plans to scale up across the fleet. Cargill continues to explore decarbonization efforts in maritime operations.
The UK is funding a project to expand the use of rotor sails to more classes of vessels. Anemoi Marine Technologies, along with partners, will develop and demonstrate a smaller sized rotor sail suitable for mid-range vessels. The project, costing £1.9 million, aims to assess the performance of the new design.
