- Atlantic Voyage Proves Deep-Sea Shipping Can Achieve Net Zero.
- Wind-Assisted and Biofuel-Powered Tanker Surpasses Emission Targets.
- Bow Olympus Demonstrates 85% GHG Reduction Without Major Upgrades.
Odfjell’s chemical tanker Bow Olympus is now sailing across the Atlantic on a mix of wind-assisted propulsion and certified sustainable 100% biofuel. This historic voyage shows how current technologies and fuels can be combined to speed up the deep-sea shipping sector’s shift to net-zero emissions, reports Odfjell.
Suction Sails Surpass Expectations
The two cross-Atlantic trips of the vessel have put the power of wind-assisted propulsion to the test. Four 22-meter suction sails on the Bow Olympus have been in operation in different weather conditions. Their performance has been continuously monitored by Odfjell’s technology teams and crew onboard and ashore.
“The results have surpassed our expectations,” confirms VP Technology Erik Hjortland. “Even in good, but not perfect, wind conditions, we observed a 15-20% energy-saving effect. That translates to five tons of fuel saved per day, equivalent to a reduction of 15 tons of CO₂ emissions per day. On certain parts of the current voyage, we have seen up to 40% fuel consumption reductions. These are very promising figures. We are thrilled to note that our initial calculations are confirmed and even exceeded.”
AI-Based Weather Routing Enhances Efficiency
Using a new type of AI-based weather routing system allowed the five-year-old, 49,000 dwt vessel to maximize the benefits of prevailing wind conditions.
“One surprising finding is that even light wind as high as 15 degrees on the bow generates a noticeable effect. This means that we can probably operate the sails more often than anticipated, positively affecting the already healthy return of investment figures. The sails also offer stabilising and roll-damping effects,” Hjortland adds. “Based on current data, we expect that the sails will continue delivering significant fuel savings on future deep-sea voyages in all basins.”
Blending Wind Power with 100% Sustainable Biofuel
In addition to the utilization of suction sails, Odfjell introduced another eco-friendly innovation to Bow Olympus’ journey: 100% sustainable biofuel from certified waste products. The certifying body is accredited by both the IMO and EU.
As Bow Olympus arrives in European waters this weekend, the twin-fuel propulsion arrangement has been a real path to carbon neutrality for deep-sea shipping—25 years ahead of global targets. The journey has delivered an 85% reduction in GHG intensity over traditional fuels, without any technical investments or upgrades for biofuel use. The energy efficiency was further increased by 15–20% through the use of sails.
Commitment to Innovation and Fuel Flexibility
Over the past decade, Odfjell has installed more than 140 energy-saving devices across its fleet, improving carbon intensity by more than 53% compared to the 2008 IMO baseline. With conventional upgrades nearly exhausted, Odfjell is now focused on next-generation solutions like wind propulsion to meet its ambitious 2030 goal of a 57% carbon intensity reduction.
In order to make even greater emissions reductions over 57%, a fuel change will be required. Odfjell has opted to remain fuel flexible and retain all options open at a time when the shipping sector’s fuel trajectory is still uncertain. “We will now drill into the data, assess the lessons learned, and use the experience as a foundation to decide our next steps. There are unknown variables yet to be clarified, such as the impact of varying weather conditions, trade lanes, vessel configurations, etc. Still, I am positive that we have begun charting a credible course toward carbon neutrality,” Hjortland concludes.
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Source: ODFJELL
