Efforts To Convert Cargo Ships to Wind Power Continue

In a recent post on the Grand Poobah’s Facebook page he mentioned a conversation with the crew of an 81-ft DeFever in the port captain’s office in Ensenada. They reported they were on their way south to Cabo at their cruising speed of 42 knots. They told the Poobah they burn about 240 gallons per hour at this speed. He estimated the cost of fuel for the run to Cabo at about $30,000.

Fortunately, sailors everywhere are doing what they can to mitigate climate damage from the burning of fossil fuels. A recent report in The Maritime Executive highlights North Sails Japan’s effort working with Sumitomo Heavy Industries to retrofit a large bulk carrier owned by ORIX Corporation of Japan with soft sails to provide wind-assisted propulsion. They’re developing roller-furling Dyneema sails to fit aboard a current vessel’s derrick posts with the goal of increasing fuel efficiency.

No one, including sailors, passes through life without having an impact on the planet. However, it’s the conservative nature of sailors to reduce their impact, seek efficiencies, and leave a sustainable planet behind for the next generation. Just as a concerned parent would advise a college-debt-burdened graduate to skip a latte and drive a car that gets 30 mpg instead of 15 (or ride a bike or drive an EV) to help pay off debt, or contribute to a retirement plan, reducing fossil fuel consumption will save billions in sea-level rise expenses, preserve more oil in the ground for use by future generations, and reduce the pace of climate change, allowing increased time to adapt. Sailors know how to set the right course and align with nature to sail as efficiently as possible while conserving resources.

For some odd reason climate change is often seen as a political conversation, but to look at the world of sailing and beyond, it’s seen as a known challenge to address and an opportunity to create the technology of the future. You can see it in the Port of Los Angeles Alta Sea blue tech incubator, which brings climate and marine scientists and entrepreneurs together to solve climate issues; the Oakland Alameda Estuary adaptation plan; and Bill and Melinda Erkelens’ work with 11th Hour Racing, SailGP, and the upcoming Vendée Globe (starts November 10). Large industrial enterprises and sailing are on the same course.

Everyone knows 10% better is 10% better, whether you’re going upwind 10% faster, the mileage on your vehicle is 10% better, your PG&E bill is 10% lower, or your investment return or paycheck is 10% higher. That 10% counts. No one knows how much fuel and money the North Sails wind assist will save, but if the lessons and technology learned from sailors can help make the planet 10% better, it is something generations present and future will appreciate.

Many sailors live on or next to the ocean, so they regularly see the impacts of climate change. It is no wonder they are thinking about how to sail more and motor less. Racers know to win the race you need to sail in clean air, and cruisers know conservative resource management allows them to cruise longer and reduce impact. If you are using wind power and sails to enjoy your weekends and make the world 10% better, you’re sailing in the right direction.

You can read the full story from The Maritime Executive here.