Norsepower opens dedicated factory for rotor sails in China

Norsepower is opening a dedicated rotor sail factory in China the company is calling the world’s first such facility. 

The new factory will initially have the capacity to produce 50 of Norsepower’s wind-assisted sail propulsion units the company calls Rotor Sails each year. Norsepower said it has plans to scale up to 100 units by the end of 2027, based on the company’s belief in the demand for the technology.

"This increase in production capacity reflects Norsepower’s drive to meet the growing demand for sustainable maritime technologies," Norsepower said. "The new factory ... strengthens the company’s ability to serve the burgeoning €60Bn (US$61Bn) wind propulsion market."

Consul General of Finland in Shanghai, Anu Vuori, spoke at the factory’s opening ceremony, emphasising the importance of Finnish–Chinese co-operation, “This facility embodies the best of Finnish innovation and Chinese capability, and their shared bond as seafaring nations. Norsepower’s work here in Dafeng shows how we can address global challenges together, bringing high-tech solutions that will benefit both our economies and our environment.”

Vice Mayor of Yancheng City, Jing Tang commented, “We are honoured to welcome Norsepower to Dafeng Distric here in Yancheng. This factory not only brings new job opportunities and strengthens our industrial base, but also represents a significant step forward in sustainable maritime solutions. We are excited to support Norsepower in delivering advanced rotor sails to the global market.”

Norsepower’s prior chief executive, Tuomas Riski, who helped to found the company, stepped down in May 2024, to be replaced by Heikki Pöntynen, a member of Norsepower’s board as the company’s new chief executive. Mr Pöntynen has held several maritime management positions in Finland, China, Hong Kong and the USA.

Norsepower is reportedly working with Union Maritime to install its systems on small vessels and won a high-profile contract from aviation manufacturer Airbus and French shipbuilder Louis Dreyfuss Armateurs to build three roro vessels with Norsepower Flettner rotors.