Wind propulsion and simulation-driven marine engineering consultancy BAR Technologies is urging swift action to accelerate progress towards meeting critical climate goals, with just 12 months remaining to make meaningful changes.
According to BAR, the window of opportunity to reach the 2030 target of zero-emission fuels comprising 5% of the global shipping fuel mix is rapidly closing. The call comes as the Global Maritime Forum releases its 2024 report, Climate Action in Shipping: Progress toward Shipping’s 2030 Breakthrough, warning that the shipping industry is falling behind on its decarbonisation targets.
The upcoming MEPC 82 discussions at the IMO, being held between 30 September 30th and 4 October, are thought to offer a pivotal moment for the shipping industry to align on effective solutions to meet its climate goals. Echoing the Global Maritime Forum’s call for urgent measures, BAR Technologies is urging the inclusion of wind propulsion in the GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) formula.
John Cooper, CEO BAR Technologies, said: “We strongly advocate for the inclusion of wind propulsion in the Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) formula. Incorporating wind energy not only supports the maritime industry in its transition to sustainable practices but also reinforces the need for innovative, emission-free technologies. Our proven WindWings technology stands ready to play a pivotal role in this transformation, providing reliable and measurable performance that aligns with the ambitious goals set forth by the IMO.”
As the report indicates, the next 12 months are critical for accelerating progress. BAR Technologies stresses that the combination of wind propulsion with scalable zero-emission fuels is key to meeting the industry’s 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation targets. Incorporating wind propulsion into the GFI formula would promote a more balanced approach to shipping’s decarbonisation, complementing the ongoing work with emerging zero-emission fuels. The company calls on the IMO to formally adopt wind propulsion into regulatory frameworks, recognising its vital role in driving the shift toward renewable energy in the sector.
WindWings are delivered with a performance guarantee, and are already proving to be a solution for vessels seeking to cut emissions, with their availability for immediate deployment offering significant carbon savings for vessels, contributing meaningfully to the industry’s climate targets. The combination of wind propulsion and zero-emission fuels, BAR Technologies argues, is essential to transforming the maritime sector in a timely and cost-effective manner.
With the IMO set to discuss GHG reduction strategies during MEPC 82, BAR Technologies hopes to see strong support for the formal inclusion of wind propulsion in decarbonisation measures. The company emphasises that integrating scalable, proven technologies like WindWings is vital to meeting climate targets while ensuring the industry’s future resilience and competitiveness.
Image: Wind assisted propulsion, like BAR Tech’s WindWings, is seen as a vital element of the industry’s decarbonisation aims (source: BAR Technologies)
