Sailing using the power of the wind is nothing new, but when we talk about huge cargo ships, the story changes. Imagine a giant of the seas that, instead of polluting, uses wind energy. Berge Olympus is not just a ship, but a symbol of how technology can guide us towards a more sustainable future.
The evolution of maritime transport
The shipping sector has always been a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason too the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
This means that ships will have to drastically reduce their emissions, and what I show you today is a prime example of how this can be achieved.
Berge Olympus: eco-sustainable cargo ship
The Singapore company Berge Bulk, with a vision clearly aimed at the future, has decided to adopt clean and renewable energy. The result? A sailing freighter powered by wind energy. This vessel hosts four BARTech WindWing wind modules, developed by Yara Marine Technologies.
The four wind turbines installed on board the Berge Olympus are impressive: 37,5 meters high and 20 meters wide. This innovation allows the ship to save up to 6 tons of fuel per day. But that's not all: the adoption of this technology has made it possible to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 19,5 tons per day. And Berge Bulk doesn't intend to stop there: he plans to extend this green revolution to other ships in his fleet.
Beyond wind energy
Berge Olympus, however, is not limited to wind energy. The vessel is also equipped with a 1 MW generator powered by the main engine, which supplies electricity to the entire vessel. This system further reduces fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, eliminating the need to use auxiliary engines during ocean crossings.
The Singaporean company has a clear vision: a fleet of carbon neutral ships by 2025. To achieve this goal, the company has outlined a decarbonization plan that includes the adoption of the latest maritime technologies, the use of carbon-free fuels and investments in carbon capture. This project, the result of years of research with partner BAR Technologies, demonstrates that a green future is not only possible, but is already here.
And it goes like the wind.
