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Energy Observer – a pioneer and ambassador for sustainability: a hydrogen vessel aiming for energy autonomy with zero greenhouse gas emissions
Oceanwings The environmental impact of shipping is huge with ships responsible for more than 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions according to Oceana, which is expected to increase twofold by 2050. As shipping is relatively efficient in comparison to air freight it currently handles 90% of world trade and will continue to carry the lion’s share into the foreseeable future. As a result, the industry urgently needs to find innovative solutions that drastically reduce emissions as well as provide cost benefits to encourage uptake. One of these innovations is Oceanwings , a technology that has been developed by VPLP Design in partnership with CNIM and in collaboration with Gurit Composite Engineering. ®
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Harnessing wind power Oceanwings® harness the wind to improve ship’s efficiencies. They have been designed primarily for superyachts and large vessels like merchant ships and were created to be used in conjunction with the vessel’s propulsion system. Simulations have been undertaken using real world data which backs this up with savings shown to be as high as a 42% reduction in fuel use. Oceanwings® are a reefable and furlable automated wingsail which can be controlled through a phone or tablet, enabling non-sailors to benefit from the system. The wingsail features an adjustable camber and twist feature which provides the sail with twice the efficiency of a standard sail the same size.
