In a groundbreaking collaboration, a ship designed to transport spent nuclear fuel for the UK government is set to trial a new wind-assisted propulsion technology. The Pacific Grebe, with a deadweight tonnage of 4,900, arrived in Southampton on October 21, showcasing the first-ever installation of the FastRig, developed by the UK company Smart Green Shipping. Built in 2010, the Pacific Grebe is one of three vessels specifically designed for nuclear material transport. Measuring 341 feet (104 meters), it features four specially designed holds, each shielded to carry up to 20 flasks of nuclear waste. The ship operates for Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), part of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, which oversees the clean-up of the country’s nuclear legacy. It typically sails over 10,000 miles without stopping, reaching speeds of up to 14 knots. After departing from its home port of Barrow-in-Furness, the Pacific Grebe will conduct sea trials this month with the new 20-meter (65-foot) FastRig, a retractable rigid wing sail made from 100% recyclable materials. According to Smart Green Shipping, this innovative sail could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%. The system features an intelligent, autonomous operation that requires minimal deck space and can be retracted for port activities. Diane Gilpin, CEO of Smart Green Shipping, noted that NTS's support allows for formal sea trials, providing independently verified performance data to validate the digital models and tank testing results developed by the University of Southampton. The FastRig's retraction system was successfully demonstrated during the voyage to Southampton, marking an exciting step forward in sustainable maritime technology.