NYK Group has joined the growing number of shipowners and operators that are exploring wind-assisted propulsion as a means to reduce vessel emissions.
Two suction sails were retrofitted to NBA Magritte, a 2013-built 82,000 dwt bulker. The equipment was placed between the hatches with each sail standing approximately 16 m tall. NYK said the sails can be folded in about five to six minutes and operate from a touch panel installed on the bridge.
The VentoFoil creates propulsion with the pressure difference on both sides of the wing as it takes in wind through its suction port. Data will now be collected on propulsion generated by this equipment, along with meteorological and ocean conditions during navigation.
NYK’s long-term target is to achieve net-zero emissions of GHGs by 2050.
