BRITISH company Windship Technology has unveiled what it believes is the first “true zero emission” ship design and announced an investment partnership with classification agency DNV.

Starting from a clean drawing board, technical director Simon Rogers and his design team developed and tested at the 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 48-metre 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 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. He said, “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 Organization can champion to achieve its requirements for ‘at least’ zero carbon shipping”.

The company announced a significant partnership investment with the international registrar and classification society DNV, which will be conducting both an outside-in and inside-out verification to fully assess Windship Technology’s design.

Per Marius Berrefjord, senior vice president of DNV said, “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,” he said.

“We are also preparing for a HAZID that shall verify the safety and operability of ships with Windship Technology installed.”

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 shipowners, operators and investors.

Lars Carlsson, director of Windship Technology said, “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,” he said.