The Winds of Change

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**Winds of Change** is an innovative, UK cross-sector project to **accelerate routes-to-market for UK** green **maritime growth**.It is a partnership project between **Smart Green Shipping** (**SGS**) and **University of Southampton (UoS)**, underpinned by specialist sub-contractors (naval architects, marine engineers, systems and machinery and control systems) and Lloyds Register.Project collaborators includes cargo-owner Drax and shipowner MOL as end-users; both creating demand pull and providing critical commercial/operational insights.NTS owned, UK-flagged _Pacific Grebe_ is available to the project for retrofitting with SGS FastRigs - automated, intelligent, retractable, recyclable, robust wing-sails. Prior work: in 2018/19 via an InnovateUK Feasibility Analysis we validated 20%+ fuel/emissions savings pa. from fitting FastRigs on a fully commercial ship.We are sector leaders in developing wind-assist technology - recognised as the most promising near-term solution to reducing shipping emissions and fuel costs significantly whilst going beyond greenhouse gas shipping regulations. Compared to alternative fuels (e.g. methanol, hydrogen) wind-assist can be deployed sooner and to a scale that can significantly reduce maritime sector's substantial greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate science.This is a 'no regrets' opportunity to support zero emissions vessels, and this project will make the technology both market-ready and investable. This is critical because, to date, shipowners and investors have insufficient confidence in wind-assist.SGS has designed a unique **Wind-as-a-Service customer proposition** for the maritime sector.Our Winds of Change project aim is to overcome market barriers to uptake of FastRigs to make commercial sales and secure investor finance. Over two years, we'll achieve this by:Installing/operating a single 20m high Fast Rig on a commercial vessel for the first time* Quantifying real life fuel/GHG savings* Validating numerical prediction tools for fuel/GHG savings (investor payback periods etc)* Investigating the interaction between wind propulsion and existing propeller train (motor sailing).Sea-trial measurements will underpin **new patentable performance prediction tools** and a **virtual reality crew training system**.This project's **ultimate success** will be measured by a **commercial transaction between SGS and MOL to install a suite of FastRigs.** This is important because by overcoming existing barriers to FastRigs uptake, SGS will build order-book and secure next stage investor finance from the market.**Winds of Change** creates positive social, economic and environmental UK impacts; helping to meet legally-binding, ambitious net-zero targets, creating clean growth jobs and stimulating a green shipbuilding revolution. This project is good for business and good for our climate.