Summary
- Shipping industry turning to sails for decarbonization due to climate change
- Soya Group focuses on moving cars globally and sustainability in shipping
- Roro ships measured in car equivalent units (CEUs) for capacity
- Soya Group working on rigid sails for 14 years with focus on sustainability
- Sails unlikely to be a big wedge in maritime shipping decarbonization due to various challenges
Article
The resurgence of sails on ships is being driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the shipping industry due to climate change. Elisabet Liljeblad, working with Sweden’s Wallenius family’s Soya Group, is focused on decarbonizing shipping operations. Soya Group is a major player in the global shipping industry, particularly in the transportation of cars, other vehicles, and trucks to markets worldwide. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the privately-held firm has been working on sustainable shipping solutions for over two decades.
RoRo ships, which transport vehicles on board via a multilane road in the rear, are the primary focus of Soya Group’s sustainability efforts. These ships have flat tops that are currently unused space, making them suitable for the addition of sails. Soya Group has been exploring the use of rigid sails on their RoRo ships for the past 14 years, with the goal of achieving a 90% energy solution. While sails may not be a solution for all shipping routes, they could potentially reduce fuel costs significantly and make the company’s operations more sustainable.
One of the challenges of implementing sails on modern cargo ships is the conflict between ship owners, who bear the capital expenditures, and ship operators, who benefit from operational savings. Soya Group, uniquely positioned as a ship owner, builder, and operator, has the potential to overcome this challenge and lead the way in incorporating sails into its fleet. By designing RoRo ships with sails in mind from the outset, Soya Group can address concerns related to the height of the ships and leverage forces.
Although sails may not be a viable solution for all types of shipping vessels, such as bulk carriers and container ships, Soya Group’s focus on RoRo ships could have a significant impact on the industry. Through their research and modeling efforts, Soya Group has found that sails could lead to substantial fuel savings and increased profitability. If successful, Soya Group’s adoption of sails could set a positive example for other RoRo ship operators and potentially drive further innovation in the industry.
While the use of sails on ships may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for decarbonizing maritime shipping, it represents a promising step towards reducing emissions and operating more sustainably. By leveraging their expertise and market position, Soya Group is leading the way in exploring the potential of sail power in modern cargo shipping. As the industry continues to evolve, innovative solutions like sails could play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation.
Overall, the maritime shipping industry is facing a crucial turning point in terms of decarbonization, and the adoption of alternative energy sources like sails could be a key factor in achieving long-term sustainability. With the right approach and investment, companies like Soya Group have the opportunity to drive positive change in the industry and pave the way for a more environmentally friendly future in shipping.
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