In 2017, Mitsubishi Corporation’s Kamsarmax bulk carrier, Pyxis Ocean, was chartered by Cargill. Built in China at the Cosco yard, the vessel was retrofitted with WindWings wind sails, developed by Bar Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies. The sails, at 37.5m tall, were installed on the 80,962dwt vessel to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. However, the visibility issue caused by the sails was addressed by installing the Groke Pro situational awareness system from Groke Technologies in Finland.
After successful voyages monitored by Groke, Bar Technologies and Yara Marine Technologies have teamed up with Groke to develop autonomous navigation systems for vessels with WindWings. The Groke Pro system provides images to bridge personnel from various locations around the vessel and uses sensor fusion technology to continuously track the ship’s surroundings. It combines data from sensors, radar, AIS information, and Groke’s cameras to provide accurate information for decision-making, including real-time risk analysis.
John Cooper, CEO of Bar Technologies sees this partnership as a significant step towards combining low carbon propulsion with the latest automation technologies. He emphasized that overcoming operational challenges requires innovation or partnerships with industry specialists. Juha Rokka, CEO of Groke Technologies expressed confidence in their technology and expertise to contribute to higher safety standards and a cleaner future in the shipping industry.
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