LOGISTICS
Algae can be used to make ethanol and biodiesel fuels
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“ The technologies already exist and it ' s positive to see ship operators starting to harness them to future proof their assets . Those that act now stand to reap significant financial and reputational benefits ."
Gilpin adds : “ The fact 40 % of shipping trade is fossil fuels speaks for itself . We do not have the time to wait for regulation or alternative fuels to catch up . We need to move with urgency and work with what we have . Wind is the obvious solution – it ' s abundant , freely available , saves costs and drives down emissions .”
Gilpin ’ s insistence that wind power is one answer to the sea freight fuels issue comes at a time when cutting-edge wind propulsion technology is being tested by sea freight carriers for the first time .
Wind energy pilot aims for 30 % cut in carbon The wind energy pilot is a collaboration between multinational food company Cargill , BAR Technologies , Mitsubishi Corporation and Yara Marine Technologies , and if successful could decarbonise cargo vessels by up to 30 %
Mitsubishi Corporation ’ s vessel Pyxis Ocean has been chartered by food giant Cargill , and is the first to be fitted with ‘ WindWings ’, which are wing sails 37.5 metres high that can be fitted to the deck of cargo ships to harness the wind .
Jan Dieleman , Ocean Transportation Business Leader at Cargill , says : “ The maritime industry is on a journey to decarbonise . It ' s not an easy journey but it is an exciting one . supplychaindigital . com 73