[Curiosities] Researchers will test sails on large merchant ships to reduce pollution

[Mr.Hacker]

 

A research team from the University of Southampton plans to implement ultra-modern wing sails on merchant ships, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions.

The group intends to create new software tools that accurately predict the performance of modern ships in the ocean when equipped with FastRig wing sails. These sails are developed by the British company Smart Green Shipping and have government financial support.

Joseph Banks, lead scientist on the project, said global shipping needs to be decarbonised quickly.

“Our team of researchers will investigate the complex interactions between the wing sails and the hydrodynamics of the ship, allowing for accurate predictions of the ship's performance that will be compared to the Pacific Grebe demo ship as part of the project,” explained Banks, a member of the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute and who works at the forefront of the Winds of change project.

As part of the two-year development programme, scientists will test the impact of an adapted 20-metre tall FastRig retractable wing sail on the commercial vessel Pacific Grebe, a 105-metre British ship.

Banks considered this project innovative, because the sails can be retrofitted to existing boats to rapidly reduce emissions from existing boats. In addition, quieter and emission-free ships will be created in the future, which do not harm ocean environments and improve air quality in ports, towns and cities.

 

https://www.eluniverso.com/larevista/tecnologia/investigadores-probaran-velas-en-grandes-buques-mercantes-para-reducir-la-contaminacion-nota/