The Growing Interest in Rotor Sails for Emission Reduction and Vessel Efficiency

Ship owners and managers are increasingly interested in rotor sails as a solution for reducing emissions and improving vessel efficiency. This comes after the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting in July, which focused on reducing the maritime sector’s carbon emissions. The aim is to review and strengthen energy efficiency design requirements for ships, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator and the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index.

Rotor sails, which rely on the Magnus Effect to create forward thrust and reduce fuel consumption, have emerged as a viable alternative propulsion method for modern vessels. These tall cylinders can provide auxiliary propulsion and significantly cut emissions. Data from modern rotor sail systems has shown fuel savings of up to 25-30%. For example, a very-large crude carrier fitted with five rotor sails could save over 1,600 tonnes of fuel and 5,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

The demand for rotor sails is increasing, with ship owners looking to make their vessels more efficient. Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based developer and provider of rotor sails, is ramping up production to install up to 50 rotor sails by the end of 2023. Rotor sails are suitable for various types of vessels and can be easily installed and transferred to other vessels. The design and placement of rotor sails can be tailored to each vessel type to ensure safe and efficient operations.

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