Kongsberg Maritime has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norsepower, a manufacturer of auxiliary wind propulsion systems
The MoU with Norsepower is a step towards adding wind propulsion to Kongsberg’s portfolio, aided by its controllable pitch propeller system, which can manage the variable power delivered by rotor sail systems.
Kongsberg already delivers comprehensive integrated equipment packages comprising of advanced propellers, power management, energy optimisation, propulsion drive train products, power take off and take in systems and energy storage.
Kongsberg senior vice president business concepts Oskar Levander said the MoU takes Kongsberg closer to becoming a leading integrator of green shipping technology.
“There is an increasing demand for the use of modern wind propulsion in shipping, and we are excited to work with Norsepower to deliver this. Together we will offer support to shipowners and shipyards looking for the most efficient and effective ways of applying rotor sail technology, and collaborate on new ship designs to integrate these technologies and improve energy efficiency overall.”
The Norsepower rotor sail is the first third-party verified and commercially operational auxiliary wind propulsion technology for the global maritime industry. The fully automated system uses the wind to generate thrust, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and is a modern version of the Flettner rotor, a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to thrust a ship.
The company has completed six installations to date, including the installation of five tilting rotor sails on its first bulker back in May. Norsepower chief executive Tuomas Riski said, “As the industry combines clean technology solutions to accelerate progress towards reaching net zero, it is important that the optimal design points are considered on installation for all systems.”
“We are very pleased to be collaborating with Kongsberg Maritime, as we can accelerate more access to the benefits of the rotor sail in supporting shipping’s decarbonisation pathway and further improve performance of the rotor sails, alone and alongside other energy transition technologies. Current savings of between 5-25% could be further improved with Kongsberg Maritime’s advanced automation systems, efficient propulsion and other novel design solutions.”
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