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Jumbo’s Latest Innovation: Mechanical Sails Installed on Jumbo Jubilee to Enhance Sustainability

In a bold step toward decarbonization, Jumbo has successfully installed two mechanical sails on its Heavy Lift Vessel (HLV), Jumbo Jubilee. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to implementing innovative technologies that enhance fuel efficiency while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) system marks another milestone in Jumbo’s pursuit of sustainable heavy-lift shipping, and it aligns perfectly with industry demands for greener maritime solutions.

CEO Daan Kornneef emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “At Jumbo, we believe that every step towards sustainability is crucial. The installation of these mechanical sails on Jumbo Jubilee is a testament to our commitment to decarbonize and innovate. While there’s always more work to be done, initiatives like this propel us closer to a greener maritime industry.” His words resonate with a growing industry consciousness around sustainability, as companies seek ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Jumbo’s strategy involves implementing multiple fuel-saving technologies on the Jumbo Jubilee to evaluate each one’s contribution to overall efficiency. The company has already introduced several enhancements, such as an efficiency-boosting propeller coating and an AI-powered anti-fouling monitoring system. By incorporating these innovations, Jumbo is not only enhancing the vessel’s performance but also collecting valuable data to better understand how each technology influences fuel savings.

Technical Manager Andres Cassanova explained the significance of the mechanical sails, noting, “While not fully optimized for our vessel type, these sails will help us to gather valuable insights on real-world fuel savings and explore further optimizations that will allow Jumbo to reduce its environmental footprint even more.” This sentiment highlights the importance of experimentation in the maritime sector, where every innovation could lead to significant strides in environmental stewardship.

The sails themselves are ingeniously designed. Their compact size allows them to fit seamlessly on a heavy lift vessel, which often has limited space for additional equipment. Customized frames engineered by Jumbo’s structural engineer, Estelle Bongers, enable the sails to be relocated or even transferred to another vessel if cargo space becomes a concern. This adaptability is crucial in a business where space is at a premium and efficiency is paramount.

In tandem with the ventofoil installation, Jumbo has also implemented an AI-powered anti-fouling monitoring system that tracks various environmental parameters. This system ensures the vessel operates at peak efficiency by predicting when maintenance is necessary before fuel efficiency starts to decline. By maintaining the hull’s integrity through proactive measures, Jumbo not only preserves the longevity of the vessel but also reduces reliance on aggressive cleaning methods that could harm marine ecosystems.

Adding to these advancements is the eco-control system, likened to “intelligent cruise control” by Andres. This system allows operators to set fuel consumption limits or maximum speed, continuously adjusting performance based on real-time data from the vessel. The result? Optimal efficiency with minimal fuel consumption and reduced emissions—a true game-changer in maritime operations.

Patrick Feddes, Technical Superintendent, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals. “If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, it’s not only down to one part of the company. It’s a team effort between those on board the ships and those on shore,” he stated. This collaborative ethos is vital, as it brings together diverse expertise to support the deployment of innovative technologies aimed at energy savings.

As Jumbo leads the charge in sustainable heavy-lift shipping, the installation of mechanical sails on Jumbo Jubilee serves as a beacon of innovation in an industry that is increasingly prioritizing sustainability. The efforts of the entire Jumbo team demonstrate that with the right technology and teamwork, a greener future is not only possible but within reach.

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