On Sunday, 23 June 2024, residents along the Atlantic Seaboard, particularly Sea Point, Fresnaye or Bantry Bay, and visitors on the Promenade, may have noticed a remarkable sight offshore: the MV Berge Olympus. This UK-flagged dry bulk carrier, notable for being the world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship, was anchored just off our coast.
The Berge Olympus has undergone a significant retrofit, incorporating four state-of-the-art BARTech WindWings. These advanced wind-assisted propulsion systems consist of large, rigid sails designed to capture wind energy, drastically reducing the ship’s dependence on traditional fuels and cutting down its carbon emissions.
The Berge Olympus regularly sails between Brazil and China, a trade route that benefits from excellent wind conditions. Each WindWing on the ship spans 20 meters in width and stands an impressive 37.5 meters tall, taller than a 10-story building. Together, the four WindWings cover a combined surface area of 3,000 square meters—over three times the surface area of an A380 airplane’s wings.
This cutting-edge WindWings technology offers substantial fuel savings of up to 20%, which equates to a reduction of 19.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per day on average during its global voyages. The implementation of WindWings marks a significant milestone in Berge Bulk’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025.
The presence of the MV Berge Olympus off our shores is not just a visual spectacle but also a testament to the innovative strides being made in sustainable maritime transport.
Did you find this article insightful?
Please consider making a donation towards the SFB, or if you’re a resident or ratepayer in Sea Point, Fresnaye, Bantry Bay or Three Anchor Bay, becoming a member or joining us as a volunteer.
As a volunteer-led organization, we rely solely on donations and membership fees to make a meaningful impact – and by making a financial contribution, you help us continue to make this impact.
