Using Renewable Energy Sources is Just Plain Sailing for Pyxis Ocean

Date: 18/03/24

It is easy to think of using renewable energy sources as a modern idea to combat climate change. However, in many ways, we have been using renewable energy sources for thousands of years, with homes designed to capture the energy of the sun and ships crossing the seven seas on wind power alone.

Now engineers are going ‘back to the future’, with exciting new developments in wind powered shipping that are significantly cutting both fuel use and CO2 emissions. The latest of these exciting tests has just reported its results, and the figures are really impressive.

Wind power sets sail again

The cargo ship Pyxis Ocean has just completed its first six months of operation after being fitted with two large sails, or ‘WindWings®’ by British company BAR Technologies. The vessel sailed all over the world, using the sails wherever possible, and the savings were significant.

The Pyxis Ocean saved an average of 3 tonnes of fuel per day and reduced its CO2 emissions by 11.2 tonnes, which is a 14% saving. At peak operation, in optimal sailing conditions, those figures rose to 11tonnes of fuel saved per day and a reduction of 41 tonnes of CO2.

A modern twist on traditional technology

The ‘sails’ on board the Pyxis Ocean are a long way from the magnificent, billowing cloth of the historic tall ships that once graced our oceans. Today’s sails look more like wind turbine blades, standing a huge 123ft or 37.5m high when raised, with aircraft wing style fins on either side to change the shape and angle of the sail.

The sails can be stored flat on deck during docking and in severe storms. Once raised, they are fully automated, with a vast range of sensors constantly adjusting the angles and configuration to maximise the harvesting of this free and plentiful renewable energy source out at sea. To see the vessel in action, check out the video.

Spreading their wings

Now that the technology has been proven in the field, or rather on the oceans, it is hoped that the exciting new WindWings® will play a major role in the International Maritime Organisation’s plans to cut carbon emissions from the shipping industry. Currently, shipping is responsible for 873 million tonnes of CO2 every year, equating to 2.1% of all global emissions. If the technology were fitted to all vessels, it would save over 100 million tonnes of CO2.

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies is confident that the idea will catch on. “The results of the Pyxis Ocean’s first voyage with WindWings® installed clearly demonstrate that wind assisted propulsion can secure significant fuel savings and emissions reduction,” he says. “I predict by 2025 half the new-build ships will be ordered with wind propulsion”.

Join the renewable energy revolution

Of course, you don’t have to be a huge cargo vessel, or install massive sails to your project, to benefit from renewable energy sources. Think Hire can help projects large and small to benefit from switching to renewable energy sources by using our cutting-edge Solartainer solar power generators.

Just like the remarkable WindWings®, the Solartainer can deliver dependable, affordable, clean energy day in and day out, using only the elements as its power source. In fact, Think Hire are committed to cutting both your CO2 emissions and your operating costs when you make us your renewable energy partner.

We’re all entering uncharted waters when it comes to climate change, and every industry needs to take serious steps to navigate the coming storm. However, with innovative technology like the WindWings® and the Solartainer to help us to harness renewable energy sources, we can all make a difference, quickly, easily and affordably.

To find out more about how your site can cut emissions and cut costs, contact Think Hire today.

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