Becker Marine Systems has announced today it is joining the growing International Windship Association (IWSA) and bringing its WingSail project online.  Becker Marine said it is developing scalable wind propulsion units for commercial shipping through a wealth of experience in close interaction with its customers gained through thousands of rudder and energy-saving-device projects.

“In line with the demands of modern shipping, we have combined highly efficient aerodynamics with a user-friendly smart control system and a low-maintenance structure for safe and reliable sailing,” said Henning Kuhlmann, Managing Director of Becker Marine Systems GmbH.

“To make sure our products disrupt the market, not ship operations, we took special care to develop folding solutions in conjunction with the sails.”

This design feature ensures that carrying the wings will not prevent the ship from entering air draft restricted areas or disturb loading operations. Becker Marine is teaming up with a network of trusted partners and Mr Kuhlmann adds; “We are looking forward to facing future challenges – and to offer the complete WingSail-ecosystem ranging from sails, anti-drift devices, weather routing, system-engineering and integration to operational training.”

Gavin Allwright, IWSA Secretary Genera, added: “There has been significant growing interest in wind propulsion systems recently and Becker Marine Systems joining the International Windship Association (IWSA) at this time makes perfect sense. We look forward to working together to ensure a bright future for this viable, credible and truly low carbon means of ship propulsion.”

Becker Marine is now searching for prototype application projects, after having finalised thorough CFD-investigations, structural studies and demonstrator designs.

Source: Becker Marine