Wind-powered cargo ship sets sail on real-world test runs

The sails could help the cargo vessel save three tonnes of heavy fuel per day.

According to media reports, a 750-foot Pyrix cargo ship has been fitted with two massive sails, which could help save one & a half tonnes of heavy fuel per day.

The two massive sails have been developed by BAR Technologies - a British engineering outfit. Each of the sails stands 123 feet tall and is said to be built in a similar way as wind turbines to withstand the high winds at sea. The sails are being tested on the Pyrix cargo ship, with its first real-world test voyage expected to take place between China & Brazil. The voyage itself will be managed by Cargill and will take 6 weeks to complete - compared to the 20-40 days duration of current fuel-powered ships.

The sails, also called 'Wind Wings', will be closely monitored, with the results used to influence future designs of the sails. If the tests go well, BAR Technologies claims it could "shape the future of shipping". The engineering firm also stated that half of the newly built ships could be fitted with similar sails by 2025.

As per reports, the sails could help the cargo vessel save three tonnes of heavy fuel per day. They can also be folded away when the ship comes into port.

Source: BBC