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Wind power could permanently change shipping. Innovative sails and technologies will reduce emissions in the future.
Shipping is an indispensable part of our global economy – but unfortunately also a major environmental polluter. Around 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are caused by cargo ships. And that number could even rise to 10 percent by 2050. But there is hope: Wind power could helpto make this sector more sustainable.
In the Marshall Islands, a group of islands in the Pacific, some enthusiasts are turning to traditional sailing techniques to decarbonize transportation. A model is the Juren Ae, a modern cargo ship that is based on traditional designs. Equipped with wind sails and solar panels, it can transport up to 300 tons of cargo while reducing emissions by up to 80 percent compared to diesel ships. But it’s not just small islands that benefit: global initiatives such as those of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are also relying on wind power as part of their strategy to reduce emissions.
Modern sails for clean shipping
Innovative sail designs are at the heart of efforts to transform shipping. For example, rigid wing sails are particularly effective. They work similarly to airplane wings and can reduce fuel usage by up to 10 percent per trip. Such sails are flexibly adjustable and can be folded in when the ship docks.
Another exciting technology is rotor sails, which are based on the physical principle of the Magnus effect. Here, vertical cylinders rotate to generate thrust. Modern versions of these sails can achieve fuel savings of up to 30 percent. Kites, huge kites that use constant winds at high altitudes, and suction sails that suck in wind and thus generate propulsion also show great potential.
A step in the right direction
These technologies are not a thing of the future: over 50 wind-powered ships are already in use, and experts expect a significant increase by 2026. Although there is no silver bullet solution, it shows that wind power could be an important building block for more sustainable shipping. With modern innovations and traditional knowledge, we could take a big step closer to the goal of emission-free shipping.
In this area too, wind is an incredibly valuable resource that is available in almost unlimited quantities. In the long term, not only small island states but the entire world could benefit from such sustainable approaches.
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The article How wind power could sustainably change freight shipping by Felix Baumann first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I am excited about the potential for wind power to revolutionize freight shipping. By harnessing the power of the wind, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of the shipping industry.
Wind power could provide a sustainable and renewable source of energy for cargo ships, reducing emissions and mitigating the environmental impact of freight transportation. This shift towards clean energy could help to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for the shipping industry.
In addition to the environmental benefits, wind power could also lead to cost savings for freight companies. By utilizing wind energy, companies could potentially lower their fuel costs and increase their competitiveness in the market.
Overall, I believe that wind power has the potential to permanently change freight shipping for the better, by offering a cleaner, more sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based shipping methods. It is an exciting time for innovation in the industry, and I look forward to seeing how wind power continues to transform the way we think about freight transportation.
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