BAR Technologies partners with Mitsubishi Corporation to develop low-emission vessels

Portsmouth-based wind and marine engineering consultancy BAR Technologies has announced a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation and Nihon Shipyard, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding. This collaboration aims to advance the development of low-emission vessels within the Japanese shipping industry and is particularly significant given the existing momentum surrounding sustainable marine technologies.

The partnership comes on the heels of the successful installation of BAR Technologies’ proprietary wind propulsion system, WindWings®, on Mitsubishi’s cargo ship, Pyxis Ocean. This system is designed to harness wind energy to assist in vessel propulsion, thus reducing reliance on traditional fuel sources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Through this collaborative effort, the three companies intend to leverage their collective expertise to produce innovative low-emission ships while also exploring opportunities to integrate WindWings® into both new designs and existing vessels. Mitsubishi Corporation will serve as an agent for WindWings® in Japan, positioning itself to offer a comprehensive solution to Japanese shipowners seeking to adopt wind propulsion technology.

John Cooper, Chief Executive of BAR Technologies, expressed optimism regarding this new alliance, stating that Japan, being the third-largest global shipping manufacturer, holds considerable potential to usher in transformative changes within the sector. With a robust pipeline of WindWings® orders from various major shipping markets, BAR Technologies recognised that partnering with Mitsubishi Corporation and Nihon Shipyard is a crucial step towards ensuring compliance with evolving global shipping emissions regulations.

Naoki Arima, General Manager in the Ship & Infrastructure Department at Mitsubishi Corporation, commented on the importance of this collaboration, emphasising the alignment of their goals to foster innovations in ship design and propulsion toward a low-carbon future. With an established and trustworthy relationship with BAR Technologies centred on WindWings® technology, Arima noted the partnership’s potential to enhance value for Japanese shipping companies focused on sustainability.

Tomoaki Takahira, Director and Chief of the Design Division at Nihon Shipyard, highlighted the shipping industry’s increasing expectations for low CO2 emission designs. He stated that the memorandum of understanding would facilitate accelerated development in this area through collaborative efforts in integrating WindWings® into both new and existing vessel designs.

This partnership not only signals a significant shift towards more sustainable practices within the shipping industry but also underscores the growing importance of technological advancements in achieving environmental objectives. The collective aim of BAR Technologies, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Nihon Shipyard to establish a robust framework for low-emission vessels marks a pivotal moment in maritime innovation, particularly as the sector navigates the complexities of global emissions standards.

Source: Noah Wire Services