The shipPyxis Oceanwill test the so-called WindWings as it travels across the globe from China to Brazil.
Each sail is37.5 metres tall and mainly made from fibreglass, the same material as wind turbine blades.
And like wind turbines, they are also designed to slash carbon emissions.
By assisting a cargo ships engines, the WindWings could cut diesel fuel consumption by up to 30%.
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The numbers are massive, John Cooper, BARs CEO, told theBBC.
Globally, shippingaccounts for 3%of greenhouse gas emissions more than the entireaviationindustry.
Elsewhere, similarwind-based vessel projectsare already underway.
Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten also revealed a concept design for itsvery first zero-emission shipin June.
The ship will be battery-powered with energy supplemented from three 40-metre solar panel-covered sails.
It is scheduled to depart in 2030.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
