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On the road to net-zero logistics

“When it comes to rethinking ship design, the ‘True Zero Emission concept from British company Windship Technology promises more disruptive innovation. Dubbed ‘the Tesla of the seas’, its triple-wing rigs harness the power of the wind, with the look of a 21st-century clean-tech clipper.” Jim McClelland.

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Revolutionary British firm, Windship Technology, developing wind-and-solar-assisted shipping, adds Calix’s on-ship Carbon Capture technology “RECAST” in an innovative joint development tie-up. 01 July 2021, London: Windship Technology, Britain’s leading True Zero Emission company for the shipping industry, today announces an exclusive joint development relationship with Australian company Calix Limited to develop and incorporate Calix’s onboard carbon capture system RECAST into its whole-ship solution. The combined technologies have the potential to achieve the goal of zero emission shipping at the lowest cost, aligning full-square with the United Nations’ sustainability goals and agenda. Windship Technology is at the forefront of delivering a whole-ship solution capitalising on its class-leading, triple rig wing-sail system, proven to be the most powerful in class. The exclusive joint development arrangement with Calix Limited has been reached after twelve months of extensive work between the two companies as they strive to eliminate one of the biggest climate issues of the modern world - shipping emissions. Shipping accounts for over 3% of total global emissions, with an expectancy to rise to 10% by 2050 if alternative solutions are not implemented. With the clock ticking down towards the United Nations’ 2030 sustainability goals, the shipping industry faces huge structural issues with asset owners and ship operators turning to innovation for long-term solutions. Windship is leading the charge with its wind, solar and drive train solutions, and its exclusive tie-up with Calix will also target the elimination of CO₂, NO_x, SO_x and Particulate emissions from the power systems. This is achieved through the introduction of a low emissions lime-based sorbent into the exhaust system of a ship’s engine with the resulting capture reaction adding significant power to the drive train. Simon Rogers, Technical Director of Windship Technology commented: “We have been delighted to work with Dr Brian Sweeney and the team at Calix throughout the design process of our onboard Carbon Capture System. Calix are leading the way in the development of industrial carbon capture solutions and over the past year it has been a meeting of technical and design minds as we move forward with Windship Technology’s innovative approach to the shipping industry, Calix are the perfect partner and our exclusivity arrangement opens the door to delivering a world-class system that has the potential to future-proof the shipping industry to True Zero and deliver on the United Nations sustainability agenda.”  Graham Harvey, Chief Executive of Windship Technology added: “The shipping industry is at a definite crossroads now with decisions being made that will affect the next 25 years of commercial activity. Legislation is against asset owners who are unwilling to adopt True Zero Emission technologies and we know that Windship Technology has the best solution on the market for commercial bulk carriers and tankers serious about their environmental commitments. In joining up with Calix we can square the circle of a whole-ship, True Zero emission solution for the shipping industry with Carbon Capture being the holy-grail for operators. This is a huge step forward for Windship Technology and we look forward to working closely with Calix on an exclusive basis on this exciting development.” Phil Hodgson, Managing Director of Calix Limited added: “Calix is pleased to be collaborating with Windship Technology to develop a zero emissions solution for the shipping industry. This world-class initiative is in line with Calix’s core mission. The use of low emissions lime as both a sorbent and a fuel for the ship is a valuable new application for our technology.”

We are delighted to announce that Windship Technology has been shortlisted for The Motorship Award. The shortlist is drawn up through a combination of self-nomination and recommendations made by the event steering committee, which includes representatives from major ship owners, technology providers, class societies and ship owner organisations. The shortlisted entrants will present their projects at The Motorship’s Propulsion & Future Fuels Conference 2021, 2-4 November, Hamburg, Germany, where the overall winner will be decided by a delegate vote. The conference will cover a range of topics with emphasis on the next steps to 2030 and 2050; and an in-depth analysis of ship operators’ future fuel considerations with sessions featuring expert presentations from a selection of fuel and equipment manufacturers, policy makers, safety experts, shipowners, and class societies. 2021 marks the 42nd anniversary of Motorship Conferences, making Propulsion & Emissions the longest running technical conference in the maritime sector. The conference provides senior executives with a meeting place to learn, discuss and share knowledge of the latest developments in efficient propulsion technology and low flashpoint, low carbon fuels. It is a must-attend event for CEOs and technical directors from ship owning/operating and management companies, ship design and ship building senior executives, sector specialists from fuel, equipment and technology suppliers plus senior management and advisers from classification and policy-making organisations. The conference features strong support and chairmanship from two of the sectors heavy weight associations: BIMCO, whose shipowner members represent more than 60% of global tonnage, and the German shipowner association VDR, headquartered in Hamburg and representing a fleet of 2,324 ships with a combined gross tonnage of 57.5 million. The Motorship has been published since 1920 and is the longest running technical title within the marine sector. It provides insight for marine technology professionals in print, online and through regular eNews and social media. With a monthly combined audience of 34,959 this title underpins the success of its sister events. The Motorship Conference, Propulsion & Future Fuels, is the one event you should attend to keep up to date with the latest developments in marine technology, legislation and other key issues whilst also offering fantastic networking opportunities! For information on booking your delegate place, call +44 1329 825335 or email conferences@propulsionconference.com. We look forward to seeing you there.

Graham Harvey appointed Chief Executive of Britain’s leading True Zero Emissions solution company for the shipping industry. 22nd March 2021, London: The Board of Directors of Windship Technology, Britain’s leading True Zero Emission company for the shipping industry, are delighted to confirm the appointment of Graham Harvey as Chief Executive Officer. Graham’s remit will be to convert the significant progress that has been made in the overall Windship Technology solution and to commercialise the proposition. Graham has spent a lifetime in and around the marine industry having studied Ship Science at the University of Southampton. A member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, Graham’s career saw him rise to Head of Technology at SP Systems Limited, a privately-owned manufacturer of advanced composite materials, before assuming the Managing Director role in 2005. Following acquisition by Gurit and subsequent merger with three other composite companies, Graham assumed the position of General Manager of Engineered Structures before becoming General Manager of Composite Components until 2015. Since then, he has run a successful Management and Engineering consultancy business with activities including securing patents on a novel application for composite structures in a marine environment, business development support to a precision composite component manufacturer, interim MD for a superyacht manufacturer, engineering consultancy and acting as an adviser to a start-up composite business. Robert Elliott, Chairman of Windship Technology commented: “We welcome Graham as our new Chief Executive and herald a new structure in our business with a focus on taking Windship Technology’s patented rig solution and whole-ship True Zero Emission design to market. The opportunity now for ESG-aware investors, be they in the industry, private equity or at government level, is compelling and with a formal structure in place, led by Graham, we feel strongly that progress will be made swiftly. It’s a very exciting time for Windship Technology and Graham has absolutely the right skill-set to deliver on the company’s vision.” Graham Harvey, Chief Executive of Windship Technology added: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive of Windship Technology and look forward to harnessing the energy and enthusiasm within the company that has started to deliver a world-beating solution. This is British innovation at its finest, thinking globally and solving one of the world’s great challenges of our time. I am convinced that Windship Technology is the only company in the world right now capable of achieving the complete elimination of CO2, NOX, SOX and particulate matter to True Zero through our innovative and patented solution for shipping, so my role is to set the strategy and navigate the corporate waters ahead. I look forward to working with the team and thank the Board of Directors for their support.”

Wolfson Unit Report confirms fuel and efficiency savings from the innovative rig powering the first 100% True Zero Emission solution for shipping. 1st March 2021, London: Windship Technology, Britain’s leading True Zero Emission company for the shipping industry, can today confirm the findings from the world leading Wolfson Unit of the University of Southampton following a detailed study into its innovative and patented triple wing rig. After extensive testing and VPP work conducted at the Wolfson Unit and further Computational Fluid Dynamics and aerodynamic performance optimisation conducted by Cape Horn Engineering, it has been confirmed that an appropriately rigged commercial vessel will achieve savings of fuel and corresponding emissions at a conservative 30% per annum via the rigs alone. The Wolfson Unit report summarised performance predictions in terms of thrust reductions or effective power reductions for a 125,000DWT vessel with two different combinations of rig devices and in application, the rigs are essential to the effectiveness of Windship Technology’s whole ship True Zero Emission design. Speaking about the report, Simon Rogers, Technical Director of Windship Technology commented: “We were delighted to receive this confirmation from the Wolfson Unit after extensive testing and we always knew that the rigs would be the bedrock from which the whole-ship design could be developed. What we now know for sure is that we have the best practical solution for commercial bulk carrier companies that wish to take their climate commitments seriously. The rigs are lower in height with vastly more thrust than single-masted technology. Combined with our whole ship design, Windship Technology can eliminate CO2, NOX, SOX and particulate matter to True Zero through incorporating large solar arrays, carbon capture, optimised hull shapes and specialised weather routing software into the overall design package.” The invention protected by these patents is the use of rigid aerofoil sails for bulk cargo vessels, typically raw mineral carriers (coal, grain, ore, cement, alumina, bauxite et.) or large commercial oil tankers. The global patents cover multiple pairs of leading and trailing aerofoil sections supported on a rotatable spar, and the angular position of the spar can be adjusted as required, as can the angular position of the trailing sections. The 48m Windship Technology rig is stowable on deck through a unique, innovative stowage solution to aid port navigation and cargo handling. Its composite structure is borne out of technology and design from the wind turbine industry, ensuring reliability and longevity of greater than 25 years. Dr-Ing. Rodrigo Azcueta, Managing Director of Cape Horn Engineering is convinced by Windship Technology’s solution saying: “We analysed a multitude of wing assembly shape configurations for Windship Technology in varying wind conditions. In total, almost one thousand, high-fidelity CFD simulations were performed. These simulations were extremely valuable for improving the geometries of the wing assembly and through our detailed investigations at Cape Horn Engineering, a double-digit gain in aerodynamic performance was obtained. Windship Technology’s fixed wing sail systems are highly engineered and have been designed for optimal performance. We are extremely proud to be involved with the technical team on this project.” Windship Technology is now starting to engage with interested parties from both the shipping industry and investment circles. Significant ESG-focused investors are recognising the benefits of True Zero Emission shipping. Furthermore, asset owners and leasing companies such as oil and commodity majors and ship owners are seeking to protect their significant investments in the face of legislation and shareholder sentiment.

Due to their renowned experience and specialist technology, Cape Horn Engineering were commissioned to provide a holistic analysis of the Windship concept, Wind Propulsion Technology (WPT). Dr.-Ing. Rodrigo Azcueta, Managing Director of Cape Horn Engineering is a leading CFD specialist, and marine engineering expert, recognised around the world for his work with shipbuilders, naval architects and yacht design teams. He studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Buenos Aires and Hamburg, and following his graduation he continued working at the University of Hamburg on viscous free-surface flows and ship motions, for which he was conferred the degree of Doctor of Naval Engineering. His work as a research engineer at MTG Marinetechnik GmbH included projects for the German Ministry of Defence. Later, as Head of hydrodynamic CFD for three America’s Cup Challenges, winning three consecutive Volvo Ocean Race Campaigns and as Head of CFD for a leading British America’s Cup Team, Azcueta has built his reputation upon a racing pedigree and winning formula over the last two decades. He has since focused on building strong customer relations and has successfully expanded his business, extending the range of services, globally and across the broader maritime sector, with more recent ventures into the renewable energy sector.  Investment in researching new technologies, dedicated to reducing shipping emissions and improving air pollution, is a strong commitment which has been made. Azcueta firmly believes the future will rely on sustainable energy sources and has a strong desire to contribute to this development and to improve the performance of renewable energy technologies. “We have performed an extensive Computational Fluid Dynamic programme to improve the design and performance of the solid wings, as well as providing analytical evidence of potential savings. Our CFD analysis gives understanding and also quantifies the link between the geometry of the wing and the driving force produced. Our studies provide accurate data of how the wings will perform in real conditions and how to improve the design. It is mainly based on the detailed analysis of the driving and side forces generated by each wing configuration. The other forces and moment generated by the airflow on the wings are also computed. By varying some shape and ratio parameters, such as the section’s profile, section’s thickness to chord ratio, main wing to flap chord ratio and wings separation, we can optimise the design to increase the performance. A multitude of wing assembly shape configurations were analysed in varying wind conditions. In total, almost one thousand, high-fidelity CFD simulations were performed and analysed. The simulations were used to set up force models needed to describe the vessel’s hydrodynamic and aerodynamic behaviour. Operating conditions for the WPT devices were apparent wind angle and speed, wind shear and wind gradient (variation of wind speed and direction with height above the water surface), and angle of attack of the wings and its flaps. These simulations were extremely valuable for improving the geometries of the wing assembly. A significant gain in aerodynamic performance - a double digit percentage improvement was achieved by changing some parameters of the geometry. Some selected simulation points were compared and validated with the wind tunnel testing, as well as with previous CFD analysis provided by Lloyds Register. Experts from the Wolfson Unit (University of Southampton) were also involved in the analysis of the CFD results. Extreme wind load cases were delivered to structural experts from Gurit for assuring optimum weight and safety of the structures.”  comments Azcueta.

Tradewinds, the Global Shipping News Source, reported:

UK company claims new wind-powered system is the "Tesla of the seas". Windship Technology has revealed what it claims is the world's first truly zero-emissions ship system. The UK company has brought Norwegian classification society DNV on board to help develop a wind-powered design it refers to as the "Tesla of the seas".... "Per Marius Berrefjord, senior vice president at DNV, called the Windship team "experienced professionals". He said the project aims to help bring the entire shipping industry to "true zero" in terms of emissions. "Windship is supplying information in a fully transparent manner, and DNV will ensure a thorough verification process. We are looking forward to dive deeper into the very interesting technology presented by Windship," the DNV executive added. Windship is now looking to seal commercial partnerships with major shipowners, operators and investors, the UK company said. The Windship board includes former Concordia Maritime chief executive Lars Carlsson. The ex-tanker executive said: "The industry cannot sit back any longer. The clock is ticking and regulation will force a new approach for an industry that is traditionally hesitant to change." He added shipping is not fit for purpose for the future. Carlsson has been advocating wind power for a number of years. He said in 2019 that owners should be using all known fuel-saving methods, including wind propulsion, lower speeds, design and operational optimisation and biofuels derived from waste. And he called for new vessels to be built with anti-corrosion coated steel to give them a longer trading life of 50 years, a global fossil-fuel tax to encourage sustainable investment and the creation of a carbon exchange trading market.

Read the full article from Tradewinds > Tradewinds subscribers, click here to find out more from Tradewinds > 

With shipping now accounting for over 3% of global CO2 emissions, and still increasing, the innovative all-ship solution is set to revitalise an industry under pressure to reform. Windship Technology, a British company with a whole-ship solution to tackle the CO2 emissions of the shipping industry, today unveils its designs and announces an investment partnership with one of the world’s leading classification agencies. Starting from a clean drawing board, Technical Director Simon Rogers and his design team developed and tested at the renowned Wolfson Unit in Southampton the company’s patented high performance, highly efficient triple-wing rig. The technical team further developed a new diesel electric ship drive system that eliminates CO2, NOX, SOX and particulate matter to True Zero whilst also incorporating large solar arrays, carbon capture, optimised hull shapes and specialised weather routing software into the overall design package. The eye-catching triple-wing rigs produce a driving force several multiples greater than single masted solutions of the same height currently being promoted in the industry. The 48m Windship Technology rig is stowable on deck through a unique, innovative stowage solution to aid port navigation and cargo handling. Its composite structure is borne out of technology and design from the wind turbine industry, ensuring reliability and longevity of greater than 25 years. Professor Philip Wilson, formerly Professor of Ship Dynamics at the Ship Science Department at the University of Southampton is convinced by Windship Technology’s solution saying: “The holistic approach demonstrated in this solution whereby wind power, solar power and the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions to effectively zero, are all brought together, means that at last there is a design solution that the International Maritime Organisation can champion to achieve its requirements for ‘at least’ zero carbon shipping.” Now the company announces a significant partnership investment with the international registrar and classification society DNV who will be conducting both an outside-in and inside-out verification to fully assess Windship Technology’s whole-ship design with a view to classifying emission reductions, safety and operability. Per Marius Berrefjord (Senior Vice President) of DNV commented: “We are delighted to be working with such experienced professionals at Windship Technology in a project which aims to help transform the entire shipping industry to True Zero. We will work closely with the project team in a fully transparent manner as we now initiate the work to establish a simulation model that will help us verify the GHG emission reduction capability of the technology. We are also preparing for a HAZID that shall verify the safety and operability of ships with Windship Technology installed. These activities will be followed by further verification activities as the project moves forward. Windship is supplying information in a fully transparent manner, and DNV will ensure a thorough verification process. We are looking forward to dive deeper into the very interesting technology presented by Windship.” Against a backdrop of new build ship orders down over 50% in 2020, and regulators such as the International Maritime Organisation backed by the United Nations demanding environmental and sustainable reform from the industry, Windship Technology is offering a ‘Tesla of the Seas’ solution for shipping. The Windship Technology True Zero Emission solution is presently the only viable and most economical zero emission project for ocean-going bulk carrier and oil tanker ships. As an investment case, the solution appeals to asset owners looking to secure their investments over the lifespan of a ship’s working life and is attracting significant investor interest in the financial markets. Windship Technology is now looking to cement commercial partnerships with major ship owners, operators and investors with the vision to transform the shipping industry and address the growing emissions issue that can no longer be ignored. Speaking about the new cooperation with DNV, Lars Carlsson, Director of Windship Technology commented: “Working with DNV is a major step towards proving true zero emission status. The industry cannot sit back any longer. The clock is ticking and regulation will force a new approach for an industry that is traditionally hesitant to change. Shipping is not fit for purpose in the future. Shipping and oil companies are the only major industries still increasing their emissions and must change and think differently if it is to have any hope of reaching the emissions targets set out in law.”

UK-based Cape Horn Engineering has reported a two-digit percentage improvement in the aerodynamic performance of a vessel’s solid wing assembly via the use of Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) programme. The use of Wind Propulsion Technology (WPT) such as rigid wings, sails, kites, Magnus rotors on some vessels like bulk carriers and tankers have the potential of fuel savings and emission reductions around 10-30%.

Cape Horn Engineering said it is supporting one of its clients, Windship Technology, on a solid wing power concept that is being developed by a consortium of key players in the global shipping industry.

“We are extremely proud to be part of the team led by Windship Technology for this exciting project, running a CFD programme to further improve the design of the solid wings,” said Rodrigo Azcueta, managing director of Cape Horn Engineering.

“One of the key focuses of our project is to provide a clearer, unbiased and more detailed analysis of the new technologies available. The analytical evidence provided will give businesses a clearer understanding of the potential savings that can be realised with the implementation of the green propulsion systems. Without significant mitigating action it is projected that the global shipping industry could account for almost a fifth of carbon emissions by 2050,” Azcueta said.

Read the full Seatrade Maritime News article: here.