Finland-based Groke Technologies has, while welcoming the energy saving performance of WindWings-equipped ‘Pyxis Ocean’, to which it has supplied situation awareness equipment, warned that fitting such sail systems could result in Solas non-compliance.
Charterer Cargill Ocean Transportation says that MC Shipping’s Pyxis Ocean, the first vessel fitted with BAR Technologies’ wind propulsion system WindWings, has achieved equivalent fuel savings of 3t per day from its two 37.5m WindWings, a figure which Cargill describes as ‘encouraging’.
Groke Technologies CEO Juha Rokka said: “Due to the size of these next generation wind sails, line of sight from the bridge may be affected. Vessels with wind assisted propulsion do need new solutions to ensure they remain Solas compliant.”
Groke Technologies’ advanced camera and sensor solutions, approved by DNV, were selected to provide watchkeeping visibility and enhance vessel safety. Installation took place at the COSCO shipyard in China, with Pyxis Ocean making her inaugural voyage in August 2023. A camera system was mounted on the foremast with multiple monitors on the bridge to provide watchkeepers with an unobscured view of the ship and the surrounding area.
Jonas Bergring, Groke Technologies CCO said: “We have been following the vessel closely and supporting the crew along the way. The success of this vessel shows the potential of wind assisted propulsion in meeting IMO emissions reduction targets. The situational awareness technology we have developed means they can now also remain navigationally safe and compliant.”
The Groke Pro system gives watchkeepers a complete view and awareness of the vessel surroundings, combining cameras, Radar and AIS. The pioneering technology gives greater visibility to watchkeepers allowing them to detect any navigational hazards and objects in real time, even during night-time operations or other low-visibility situations such as fog or heavy rain. Data from sensors and cameras are available via one clear visual display. The simple-to-install system includes a risk analysis tool to detect potential collision courses.
Image: Groke Technologies’ advanced situational awareness on wind-assisted bulk carrier ‘Pyxis Ocean’ (credit: Groke Technologies)
