Horizontal wind turbines for maritime transport ships
International shipping is a large and growing source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). It transports 80% of the global trade at the cost of 940 million CO2 tons (2.5% of global GHGs). Despite mandates from the EC or the UN on tackling this situation, the industry remains heavily fossil-fuel dependent. Some efforts are being made in harnessing the wind to propel ships, going back to its origins. These are soft-tails, fixed-sails, flettner rotors, kite sails and even some wind turbines. However, they all remain at the research stage failing to represent a feasible and reliable power source.
Sidewind is a breakthrough innovation in the use of wind power in transport ships. Designed to utilize the wind energy that is wasted around cargo ships by converting that energy (kinetic) into electricity, Sidewind incorporates horizontal turbines inside recycled cargo containers. This results in a flexible, practical and cost-effective solution to the maritime transport sector, without the need for major changes in the ship. By installing just 20 turbines (standard cargo ship), a ship will save 40% average fossil fuel and energy, translated in €328k per year.
The EU has 329 key seaports, controlling around 60% of all container cargo ships. Our customers are maritime transport companies (183 in Europe, managing 23,000 vessels) and ship builders (150 shipyards in the EU). The number of vessels calling in the main EU ports in 2017 was estimated at above 2.1 million, and we will target the most important shipping companies. We count with support from public entities (Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of industries and innovation) and key industry players like Samskip (maritime transport), Hedinn (engineering in fishing industry) and Rafnar Hull (ship builder).
Sidewind is opening a new market niche as provider of wind technology for the maritime transport. Our vision for Sidewind is to play the leading role in a new green shipping era