The push to decarbonise shipping is a difficult problem and current proposals to add wind propulsion to existing tankers and containerships can only solve a proportion of the problem – the industry will need to go further. At Argo Engineering we are constantly looking for innovative solutions to these kind of problems.
As a thought experiment Argo have undertaken a preliminary internal design study on a ‘DynaProa’. Using our knowledge of modern square-rigs and multihulls we have brought two old concepts together and pulled them into the 21st century. The Pacific proa is fast, efficient and light with a symmetrical fore-aft. This fore-aft symmetry is also evident in the Dynarig concept.
With prevailing winds blowing directly across the Dover–Calais shipping route and mean windspeeds over 15.5 knots for more than 50% of the time, sail power (and relatively short journey times) are ideal for zero-emissions sail powered passenger transport.
