Cup technology for shippers: Mitsubishi ship saves three tons of fuel per day

The 230 meter long cargo ship Pyxis Ocean has successfully completed its first 6 month trials with WindWings from Ben Ainslies ex team BAR Technologies. Where there are still problems.

Cargo ship “Pyxis Ocean” with sails from BAR Technologies. © Cargill

The letters BAR in the company name stand for Ben Ainslie Racing. And they show that the America’s Cup is now more than a playground for the world’s billionaires. Technologies developed in recent years are in an increasingly important area of ​​the economy. It is not only about the usual victory in the sailing regatta, but rather the solutions that can help in the climate crisis.

Similar to Artemis Technologies, which now makes workboats and ferries flying under Iain Percy, the captain of the Swedish Cup of Artemis Racing, BAR Technologies has also been second. The company processes accumulated maritime knowledge and transforms it to help shipping companies save fuel.

Ben Ainslie himself is no longer behind the company, but the co-founders of his cup team at the time. Martin Whitmarsh is chairman, John Cooper acts as CEO. They both come from Formula 1 and bring their skills in sailing. Whitmarsh was at the wheel of McLaren Mercedes with Lewis Hamilton for four years. In 2017, he explained to SR in Bermuda why he became head of Land Rover BAR even though he cannot sail.

WindWings can be folded away in harbors, during storms or in front of bridges. © Cargill

The development of wing sails in particular was the focus of the Cup in Bermuda. In this regard, the engineers involved gained a lot of experience in this area. They included them in the development of a propulsion system for transporters – the WindWings project.