Wind-powered mast to cut emissions

A pioneering rigid shipping mast has set off on its first journey, harnessing the wind to propel a cargo ship from England to Canada and using less fuel to help reduce emissions. Led by George Thompson, the founder of GT Wings, the startup produced a 20-metre-high mast for the ship’s main deck.

Like several other wind propulsion systems, this one works like a vertical aeroplane wing. It harnesses the wind that hits its surface to propel the ship. However, its internal fans set it apart. They accelerate the air passing through it to speed up the ship.

“There was a gap in the market for a new type of technology,” said Thompson, a sailing enthusiast. “One that was able to produce a lot of thrust but from a much smaller, much more compact size.” – Full report