Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) has partnered with renewable marine technology specialist Smart Green Shipping (SGS) as part of the Winds of Change sustainability project, which could see SGS’ FastRig wing sail technology used on NTS’s specialised nuclear transport ships.

NTS ships are operated by Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) and include three diesel-powered vessels – the Pacific Heron, the Pacific Egret and the Pacific Grebe – for the transport of high-level waste and other nuclear material. Installing new sail technology would significantly reduce vessel fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Pacific Grebe is being assessed and a feasibility study will be drawn up to consider the practicalities in fitting the sails.

Di Gilpin, Chief Executive Officer, SGS, says: ‘To have the opportunity to work with such a highly specialist ship gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the feasibility of retrofitting SGS FastRig wingsails onto ships with the highest safety standards. If we are successful this will give comfort to shipowners and managers that this technology will not compromise their strict safety protocols.’

Winds of Change is a two-year project to assess technical, commercial and environmental viability of using 21st century wing sail designs to provide direct thrust to commercial ships and is funded by the UK’s Department for Transport. 

Pacific Grebe is being assessed and a feasibility study will be drawn up to consider the practicalities of fitting the sails

PNTL