Study confirms Windship Technology triple wing rig efficiency gains

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UK-based Windship Technology announced a conservative 30% fuel saving estimate from installation of its triple wing rig.

The Wolfson unit of the University of Southampton carried out a study into the rigs’ impact on a commercial vessel, producing a conservative estimate of a 30% fuel and emissions savings per annum. Efficiency calculations were made for two different combinations of rigs on a 125,000 dwt vessel, giving predictions of thrust reductions or effective power reductions.

The distinctive and patented rig design comprises multiple pairs of aerofoils on a rotating spar, with the ability to adjust the angle of the spar and trailing aerofoil sections. Topping out at 48 m tall, the rigs are stowable on deck. The design is intended for use on bulk cargo vessels and tankers.

Windship Technology announced its “True Zero Emission” ship design in February, combining its triple wing rigs with other technologies such as solar arrays and carbon capture to eliminate emissions altogether, said Technical Director Simon Rogers.

“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,” said Rogers.

Cape Horn engineering carried out computational fluid dynamic work for the rigs, running almost 1,000 CFD simulations and using the data to optimise performance.

“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,” said Cape Horn Engineering Managing Director Dr. Ing. Rodrigo Azcueta.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen announced in February its wind-powered car carrier plans, part of a wider trend of shipping and technology companies looking to wind power to augment engine power and reduce emissions.