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Three-tonne fuel savings per day: This revolutionary winged cargo ship sets a new maritime standard

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20 Mar, 2025

This post was originally published on Sustainability Times

Source: Sustainability Times

IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🚢 The Pyxis Ocean successfully completed a six-month sea trial using innovative WindWings technology.
  • 💡 This vessel achieved an impressive three-tonne daily fuel savings, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
  • The WindWings are solid, foldable sails that automatically adjust to wind conditions, enhancing propulsion without extensive crew management.
  • 🌍 The trial’s success highlights the potential for sustainable shipping, with Cargill and BAR Technologies leading the way in advancing wind-assisted propulsion.

The maritime industry is embracing a new era of sustainability and efficiency, as evidenced by the recent sea trials of the Pyxis Ocean, a bulk freighter retrofitted with innovative WindWings. This vessel, operated by MC Shipping Kamsarmax and chartered by Cargill, combines conventional diesel engines with cutting-edge sail technology, promising significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The Pyxis Ocean’s journey across major oceans and around iconic capes marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern shipping, highlighting the potential for wind-assisted propulsion to transform the industry.

The Evolution of Wind-Assisted Propulsion

The integration of sails and engines in maritime vessels is not a novel concept. Historically, sail and steam power coexisted as shipmasters augmented early steam engines with sails to ensure reliable ocean crossings. As engine technology advanced, sails gradually vanished from commercial shipping. However, the allure of harnessing wind power to supplement engine propulsion has persisted. Modern wind-assisted propulsion systems, like the WindWings on the Pyxis Ocean, seek to balance efficiency with practicality, avoiding the need for extensive crew labor or large sail areas.

The WindWings on the Pyxis Ocean represent a significant leap forward. Constructed from steel and glass fibers, these solid, foldable sails stand 37.5 meters tall and are designed to augment rather than replace diesel engines. By automatically adjusting to wind conditions, they provide supplemental propulsion, reducing fuel consumption and emissions without requiring extensive crew management. This technology underscores a renewed interest in wind power as a viable and sustainable complement to conventional maritime propulsion systems.

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Innovations and Impact on Fuel Consumption

The Pyxis Ocean’s deployment of WindWings resulted in impressive fuel savings and emission reductions. During its six-month sea trial, the vessel saved approximately three tonnes of fuel per day, equating to a carbon dioxide reduction of 11.2 tonnes daily. This achievement is akin to removing 480 cars from the road for the duration of the voyage. Such savings highlight the potential impact of wind-assisted propulsion on the shipping industry, where fuel costs and emissions are critical considerations.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, emphasized the success of the Pyxis Ocean’s voyage, noting that fuel savings reached up to 11 tonnes per day in optimal conditions. The potential for even greater efficiencies exists, as future vessels may be equipped with additional WindWings, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reductions. This trial validates the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion and sets the stage for broader adoption across the global shipping fleet.

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Challenges and Future Prospects

While the Pyxis Ocean’s trial demonstrates the potential of wind-assisted propulsion, the widespread adoption of such technology faces challenges. One major hurdle is ensuring compatibility with the infrastructure of the world’s 250 major shipping ports. Vessels must be able to dock and operate efficiently within existing port facilities, necessitating considerations for sail deployment and storage.

Les voiles s'ajustent automatiquement avec les variations du vent

Additionally, the shipping industry must evaluate the economic viability of retrofitting existing fleets versus constructing new vessels with integrated wind propulsion systems. The balance between upfront investment and long-term fuel savings will influence the pace at which these innovations are adopted. However, the positive results from the Pyxis Ocean provide a strong incentive for stakeholders to explore these opportunities, potentially leading to a significant shift in maritime practices.

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The Role of Cargill and BAR Technologies

Cargill and BAR Technologies play pivotal roles in advancing wind-assisted propulsion. As a major player in the global shipping industry, Cargill’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a key driver of change. By chartering the Pyxis Ocean and validating the performance of WindWings, Cargill demonstrates leadership in promoting environmentally friendly shipping solutions.

BAR Technologies, the developer of WindWings, brings expertise from the fields of aerodynamics and marine engineering. Its collaboration with Cargill showcases the potential for cross-industry partnerships to drive technological advancements. The success of the Pyxis Ocean’s trial underscores the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to achieve the industry’s sustainability goals.

The Pyxis Ocean’s successful sea trial with WindWings heralds a promising future for wind-assisted propulsion in maritime shipping. As the industry seeks to reduce its environmental impact and enhance efficiency, the integration of innovative sail technology represents a significant step forward. The challenges of port compatibility and economic feasibility remain, but the potential for transformative change is clear. How will the shipping industry continue to navigate the winds of change in its pursuit of a more sustainable future?

The post Three-tonne fuel savings per day: This revolutionary winged cargo ship sets a new maritime standard appeared first on Sustainability Times.

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Sydney developer Billbergia Group has announced the Rhodes Recreation Centre — an $85 million, 9200 m2 multi-purpose community hub in Sydney’s Inner West.

Located at 6 Gauthorpe St and designed by architectural firm SJB, the recreation centre is in a three-level podium building beneath two high-rise residential towers — the 48-level Peake and 43-level Oasis. Together, they form stage two of the developer’s Rhodes Central Masterplan — a $3 billion, three-stage town centre project.

The Rhodes Recreation Centre was delivered under a $97 million Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between the developer and City of Canada Bay Council. It will be handed over to council next month and is set to open later this year. Once complete, the masterplan will have delivered 25,000 m2 of dedicated public amenity, including retail, community facilities and open space.

With the NSW Government’s housing reforms set to address the housing shortage, the recreation centre will reflect the importance of ‘placemaking’ — a collaborative approach to designing and managing public spaces that enhances community wellbeing and fosters connections between people and their environment — in planning new urban communities.

It also presents a pathway for public and private sectors to collaborate and create social infrastructure while increasing housing supply in fast-growing suburbs.

The recreation centre is set to add vibrancy and pedestrian activity to the local streetscape, providing a diverse range of facilities that enhance the livability of the evolving suburb. These community amenities include two full-sized indoor sports courts, a gymnastics centre, a 70-place childcare centre, a community lounge, allied health services, and bookable spaces for local groups and events. It also provides a gym with cardio equipment, weights, group fitness rooms, a creche and an outdoor terrace, alongside a range of sustainability features.

Facilities at the Rhodes Recreation Centre. Images supplied.

“Rhodes Recreation Centre is the community heart of our high-density TOD development, bringing to life Billbergia’s vision for a future-focused, livable urban environment that prioritises amenity, not just density,” said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia.

The amenities within the two residential towers include a swimming pool, spa, sauna, children’s play area, library and theatre rooms. Pedestrian connections and through-site links provide access to Rhodes railway station and the Homebush Bay waterfront.

“The Rhodes Recreation Centre stands as a benchmark in successful public–private collaboration. Through a VPA with Canada Bay Council, we’ve created a pathway to unlock additional housing supply while delivering significant, lasting community infrastructure. It’s a clear demonstration of how thoughtful public and private partnerships can shape vibrant, livable neighbourhoods,” Moran said.

Located adjacent to Rhodes railway station, stage one of Billbergia’s Rhodes Central Masterplan was completed in 2021 and included the 13,000 m2 Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, with convenience retail, a Woolworths supermarket, medical facilities and the Bamboo Lane dining precinct.

Other previous projects include the 1.2 ha Phoenix Park in Rhodes, the $63 million Bennelong Bridge, the popular Baylink Shuttle service, the 3500 m2 Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, and the Wentworth Point Pop-Up Town Square.

Billbergia’s ongoing focus on placemaking and social infrastructure also includes the $8.4 million delivery of a library at its mixed-tenure development, Arncliffe Central, in Sydney’s south. There is the potential for 75% of Arncliffe Central’s dwellings to be dedicated to social, affordable and essential worker rental housing, along with 3400 m2 allocated to childcare, convenience retail and cafes, and a 4000 m2 park with play space for both residents and the broader community.

Top image caption: The Rhodes Recreation Centre location with two planned residential towers, Peake and Oasis. Image supplied.

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