The UK was leading the world in the use of wind propulsion in shipping, with maritime engineering start-up WingTek winning a £2.2m ($2.8m) innovation grant to develop the WingTek Wingsail, Splash247.com reported.
The project will deliver two full-size operational prototypes: one ashore for long-term testing and development, and one to be installed on a commercial UK vessel for sea trials. The project is scheduled to be finalised by March 2025.
Smart Green Shipping, another UK wind propulsion specialist, has begun onshore trials of its FastRig technology, an aluminium wing sail. Proponents of the technology claim it can reduce emissions from shipping by up to 30 per cent.
The FastRig is expected to undergo on-land trials at Hunterston in Scotland before commencing on-ship trials later this year. Diane Gilpin, founder and CEO of Smart Green Shipping, stated:
“Over the past year, wind power has finally become a key part of the emission reduction conversation in the shipping industry as the need to decarbonise to remain compliant is embraced.”
Gilpin added that using wind saves money, unlike other greening solutions.
Wind is the obvious solution – it’s abundant, freely and exclusively available to any ship equipped to harness it.
The UK also houses three other wind propulsion specialists: BAR Technologies, Anemoi and Oceanfoil. The companies sell their technology worldwide, with the headquarters of the industry’s global lobby group, the International Windship Association, also based in the country.
