Solving for Climate Lauren Eatwell: How do you make shipping sustainable?
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Feb 25, 2025 Lauren Eatwell, Head of Engineering at BAR Technologies, is the innovative mind behind the WindWings project, which retrofits cargo ships with sails to harness wind energy. She discusses the maritime industry's significant contribution to global emissions and the ambitious goal of decarbonization. Key topics include the practical advantages of wind technology for fuel efficiency, the industry's slow adoption of sustainable practices, and the necessity for global collaboration and innovation in reducing shipping's carbon footprint.
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Shipping Decarbonization Challenge
- Shipping emissions contribute ~3% globally, but decarbonizing the sector is uniquely challenging.
- Most goods are shipped, making maritime decarbonization crucial, unlike road transport or electricity where solutions exist.
WindWings Design and Function
- WindWings are large, adjustable sails resembling airplane wings, standing 40m tall.
- These 'wings' harness wind power, reducing engine use and emissions without replacing it entirely.
Outrunning the Storm
- A ship captain used WindWings to outrun a storm in the Bay of Biscay.
- This demonstrates the technology's potential for speed and safety advantages beyond fuel savings.