Danish bulker owner Ultrabulk is taking part in a 12-month trial of sail technology.
It is teaming with power station operator Drax, the Smart Green Shipping Alliance (SSGA) and Humphreys Yacht Design on a £100,000 ($128,000) feasibility study funded by InnovateUK, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and private investors.
The trial will examine the potential of fitting a sail system called Fastrig on to Ultrabulk ships importing biomass into the UK, in a bid to cut both carbon emissions and costs.