Thordon joins IWSA

(Posted on 24/04/18)

Thordon Bearings has joined a growing number of organisations to have signed up as a full associate member of the International Windship Association (IWSA), the organisation established to facilitate and promote the economic and environmental advantages of wind propulsion across the shipping industry.

IWSA now has a membership base of over 40 companies and organisations that includes shipowners, naval architects, research institutes, environmental groups and original equipment manufacturers.

Thordon Bearings’ President and CEO, Terry McGowan, said: “While Thordon Bearings is associated with environmentally safe seawater lubricated bearings for conventionally shafted drive trains, we see the renewed interest in wind propulsion as another commercially-viable approach to ocean sustainability. We have therefore joined IWSA in support of its commitment to reducing shipping’s environmental footprint.”

IWSA Secretary, Gavin Allwright, said: “We are delighted to welcome Thordon Bearings into the IWSA family. We share Thordon’s drive to bring technology solutions to the industry that make both environmental and commercial sense.

“As an association it is our stated goal to work with companies and groups that have this at the heart of their business model. Thordon Bearings’ seawater lubrication systems are a natural choice for any ultra-low emissions vessel, totally eliminating oil emissions to water, while wind propulsion reduces emissions to air. We look forward to working with Thordon to continue to bring that message to the industry – what works for the planet, works for your bottom line.”

Technological advancement is now such that sail ships are considered a credible ‘green’ alternative to conventional modes of propulsion. Indeed, IWSA members have suggested that wind powered ships can reduce the cost of ship operation by as much as 50% on some particularly windy routes.

The use of wind propulsion in modern commercial shipping covers a wide spectrum and includes wind-assisted motor vessels, where auxiliary propulsion is provided by wind, to pure wind ships and hybrid sails ships, where primary propulsion is from the wind, augmented by engines to ensure schedules are maintained.

Latest News

Maritime appetite for cyber risk higher than other industries

A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the... Read more

NorthStandard adjusts for future with precautionary premiums increase

The return of higher claim volumes during 2024, increased exposure to larger claims, and continuing... Read more

ClassNK ELW on improving seafarers’ living conditions for Tokei Kaiun bulker

ClassNK has granted its ‘ELW (HP)’ (Excellent Living and Working Environment (Hydroponics... Read more

FONASBA elects new President and Board

The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) has held its annual meeting... Read more

10,000 cadets benefit from Sailors’ Society virtual conferences

Record-breaking numbers of cadets and ratings from across the globe have attended the 2024 Sailors&rsquo... Read more

Algoma’s stronger quarter signals promising close to the year

Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended September 30... Read more

Urgent need for updated medical guide for ships

Marine Medical Solutions, a key player in maritime healthcare, is raising awareness to the urgent need... Read more

KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild

A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more

KCC makes move into wind with bound4blue eSAIL system on newbuild

A subsidiary of Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (“KCC”) has entered into an agreement... Read more

Partnership to launch maritime Know-Your-Customer data platform

Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater... Read more