AFTER partnering with BAR Technologies to bring WindWings to the global shipping industry, Yara Marine Technologies is now joining the International Windship Association to support its mission of promoting the use of wind propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon dioxide emissions.
IWSA is a member driven, not-for-profit association made up of wind propulsion technology suppliers and ship development projects, designers, naval architects, engineers, academics, NGOs and seafarers.
Yara Marine offers sulphur oxide scrubbers and turnkey shore power solutions as well as the WindWings technology, an advanced wind-assisted propulsion and route optimisation system.
Also, Yara and Kongsberg teamed up in 2017 with the ambition to build the world’s first autonomous and zero-emission container vessel, Yara Birkeland. The vessel is currently undergoing testing for container loading and stability, before the ship will sail to a port and test area in Horten for further preparations for autonomous operation.
Aleksander Askeland, CSO of Yara Marine Technologies said, “The immense savings gained by modern wind propulsion really caught the interest of both Yara Marine and our established network of shipowners.
“Wind technology is finally mature and can achieve significant benefits for both ship-owners and the environment. We already experience massive interest in the market, and are ready for orders.
“We strongly believe in IWSA’s cause, and with WindWings as part of our portfolio, we find great partnership in the organisation.
“We have already started to take wind propulsion from retrofit pilots to mass production and will have the first vessels sailing early next year,” he said.
The IWSA seeks to promote the economic value of wind propulsion and function as an information hub for emerging technologies. It is also determined to create strong collaborative networks, facilitate common approaches, and assist maritime stakeholders in securing funding for wind propulsion projects.
Gavin Allwright, secretary general at the IWSA said, “Wind propulsion is a zero emissions technology for the future and will be important in solving some of the shipping industry’s greatest challenges.
“Having a solid and experienced player like Yara Marine Technologies join IWSA proves how far the development of wind propulsion has come,” he said.
