New Collaboration Focusing on Hull Design to Maximize Wind-Assisted Propulsion

Naval architects, Deltamarin, and marine engineering consultancy, BAR Technologies, have joined forces once again to revolutionize wind propulsion in the maritime industry.

The latest collaboration focuses on the design of a new vessel called Aframax/LRII, aiming to optimize hull forms with wind power to improve fuel efficiency.

The announcement follows a previous project on the first installation of Bar Technologies’ WindWings sails on the bulk carrier Pyxis Ocean, which was recently nominated for the prestigious Next Generation Ship Award at Nor-Shipping. By incorporating WindWings onto the Pyxis Ocean, the vessel is anticipated to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1.5 metric tons per wing per day when it debuts this year.

While significant progress has been made in developing above-deck wind propulsion systems, Deltamarin and BAR Technologies recognize that there is equally untapped potential below the waterline. To maximize the efficiency of wind-assisted propulsion, they aim to improve hull forms specifically tailored to wind power.

Preliminary estimates by BAR Technologies and Deltamarin suggest that the new Aframax/LRII hull design, combined with four WindWings, could potentially save up to 10 metric tons of fuel per day on a North America/Rotterdam roundtrip.

“The power of wind is a free resource, and it is our responsibility as innovators to find ways to displace fossil fuels with wind power,” said John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. “Working alongside leading shipyards to retrofit WindWings has been an honor, and we are particularly excited about our collaboration with Deltamarin, the top naval architects for large ship design. The Aframax/LRII is just the first of many exciting announcements to come.”

The collaboration is expected to pave the way for a series of ship designs specifically tailored for wind propulsion.

“The opportunities moving forward with wind power are vast,” said Esa Jokioinen, Director, Sales and Marketing at Deltamarin. “Being familiar with BAR Technologies’ expert innovation in wind propulsion, we are delighted to collaborate on what both companies see as the next vital stage for wind-assisted sea travel: hull optimization. So far, we have made fine progress in harnessing wind power using sails, but we are finding increased performance all the time and, with this hull design, we are witnessing a 15% improvement against our current fleet.”

Updated: January 18, 2024 (Originally published June 8, 2023)

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