Oldendorff Carriers has signed a joint development project (JDP) with Anemoi Marine Technologies, Lloyd’s Register and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute to develop a wind-assisted propulsion system for dry bulk carriers
Oldendorff said its JDP, which is scheduled for completion in 2022, would ease the path for market-ready rotor sail technology applications across the shipping industry in the short term.
“This JDP is a testament to our commitment to the development and application of green technologies across our fleet," Oldendorff director of innovation Torsten Barenthin said. "By partnering with the ship designer, manufacturer and classification society, [Oldendorff] seeks to achieve a comprehensive functional application of wind technology that returns environmental and commercial benefits throughout our vessels’ entire lifecycle," he said.
The project will see Anemoi’s vertical rotors installed on the deck of a Newcastlemax bulk carrier. To ensure the rotors do not interfere with cargo operations and air draft limitations, the sails are mounted with a folding system that enables them to be lowered from vertical into a horizontal position on deck.
The rotating mechanical sails lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions by using the wind to provide additional thrust for the vessels. And by fitting vertical rotors on a Newcastlemax bulk carrier, the carrier and manufacturer can test wind propulsion on long haul voyages.
Once the design and study phases have been concluded, the results obtained will determine whether Oldendorff will proceed with the installation of the wind rotor technology aboard one of its vessels, the company said.
“Partnering in this project further demonstrates Oldendorff Carriers’ commitment to sustainable shipping and their support of emerging wind propulsion technology as a route to future environmental compliance and decarbonisation," said Anemoi Marine Technologies chief operating officer Nick Contopoulos.
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