DNV verifies fuel savings of wind-assisted vessel

Classification society DNV has validated that UK-based marine engineering firm BAR Technologies’ wind sails onboard the bulk carrier Pyxis Ocean achieved substantial fuel savings in favourable conditions.

PHOTO: The Pyxis Ocean fitted with BAR Technologies' wind sails. BAR Technologies

Sailing in favourable conditions, the two wind sails installed on the Pyxis Ocean reduced fuel consumption of the main engine by 32% per nautical mile, an interim DNV report stated.

The Pyxis Ocean is “the world’s first ship” to be integrated with BAR Technologies’ wind sails, the company claims. The vessel is managed by Japanese shipping firm MC Shipping and is chartered by US-based commodity trading firm Cargill.

In August 2023, the ship equipped with wind sails began its journey on the open seas. From then until March 2024, during testing, it crossed the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, North and South Atlantic, and navigated through Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. Up to now, the vessel has stopped at six ports and accomplished eight successful loading and unloading operations.

In March, Cargill and BAR Technologies shared the result of Pyxis Ocean’s maiden voyage. The report based on the six-month trial period showed that the bulk carrier achieved fuel savings of about 3 mt/day on an annual average basis.

By Tuhin Roy

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