World News
Singapore-Flagged Tanker, Bulkers Eyed for Wind Power Trial
British marine windpower company Oceanfoil is working with two shipowners on potential trials of its wingsail technology on Singapore-flagged vessels, Managing Director Charles Moray told industry news site The Motorship.
The tests would involve two 101,000 deadweight tonne (dwt) bulk carriers, another larger bulker, and an oil tanker.
Computer modeling and tank testing has showed the potential for fuel savings of 15 percent to 20 percent.
Moray is working with researchers at University College London on software that could help shipowners determine optimal routes for making the most of the sails.
Michael Traut of the University of Manchester, who is working on models for the use of wind power in commercial shipping, said wind could reduce emissions by 50 percent in some cases, particularly on small vessels, which can experience larger relative savings from the use of sails.
However, Moray said economic pressure is higher on high-tonnage vessels, making them a potential market for the fuel-saving technology.
Oceanfoil and other wind power companies, including Australia's Solar Sailor, are seeking ways to make large sails more practical.
Solar Sailor's technology involves folding wing sails that can take up little space when not in use.
UK-based wind-power technology company Windship Technology, which also targets large cargo ships, recently said it will build and test a prototype in Singapore by the second quarter of 2015.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 649.50 | 2.00 | 778.50 | 8.50 |
| Rotterdam | 602.00 | 0.50 | 748.00 | 6.00 |
| Houston | 624.00 | 5.00 | 792.00 | 3.50 |
| Fujairah | 649.50 | 2.00 | 898.00 | 3.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 662.00 | 2.00 | 855.00 | 1.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 631.00 | 1.00 | 804.00 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 717.50 | 0.50 | 913.50 | 1.00 |
Popular Now More
-
Apr 24Non-compete clauses have not always been used in a fair and reasonable way in the bunker industry, Maritime Recruitment Company Ltd's Vernon Jayanathan tells Ship & Bunker. -
Apr 25Government investigating after test results altered 'to make the fuel consumption data look better'. -
Apr 26The company is looking for candidates with bunker trading professional certifications and at least six years of experience in a similar role.