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Windship Technology unveils ‘True Zero Emission’ ship design

Photo: Windship Technology True Zero 1.jpg
British firm Windship Technology has unveiled a ‘True Zero Emission’ ship design based on the company’s patented triple-wing rig, a new diesel electric ship drive system and the incorporation of large solar arrays.

The technical and design teams at Windship said the innovative all-ship solution is able to eliminate CO2, NOx, SOx and particulate matter (PM) to ‘True Zero’, helping the shipping industry to meet stricter emission guidelines.

“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,” said Professor Philip Wilson, formerly Professor of Ship Dynamics at the Ship Science Department at the University of Southampton.

The 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 48-metre rig is stowable on deck through a stowage solution to aid port navigation and cargo handling. Its composite structure is borne out of technology and design from the wind turbine industry to last 25 years.

Windship has also announced a partnership investment with classification society DNV which will assess Windship’s whole-ship design with a view to classifying emission reductions, safety and operability.

Against a backdrop of newbuild ship orders down over 50% in 2020, and regulators such as the IMO demanding environmental and sustainable reform from the industry, Windship claims that its ‘True Zero Emission’ solution is presently the only viable and most economical zero emission project for ocean-going bulk carrier and oil tanker ships.

Windship pointed out that 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 looking to cement commercial partnerships with major ship owners, operators and investors.

Lars Carlsson, director of Windship, commented: “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.”