Scandlines will reduce carbon emissions by investing in wind propulsion technology on board its Copenhagen ferry
It has signed an agreement with Norsepower to install its Rotor Sail solution on board its battery-hybrid ferry Copenhagen, which operates between Rostock in Germany and Gedser in Denmark.
The Norsepower Rotor Sail Solution is a modernised version of the Flettner rotor – a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to thrust a ship. It is the first data-verified and commercially operational auxiliary wind propulsion technology for the global maritime industry. When wind conditions are favourable, it enables the electric propulsion thrusters and centre propeller to be throttled back, reducing emissions – while providing the power needed to maintain speed and voyage time. Because it generates supplementary thrust from wind, the solution is compatible with all other emissions-saving technologies.
The route between Gedser to the north and Rostock to the south is almost perpendicular to the prevailing wind from west giving Scandlines favourable conditions for using Rotor Sails on the ferry crossing.
Preparations for the retrofit will take place in November 2019 with installation scheduled for Q2 2020. Copenhagen is set to be retrofitted with one large Norsepower Rotor Sail unit, 30 m high and 5 m diameter.
“By installing a Rotor Sail, we can reduce CO2 emissions on the Rostock-Gedser route by 4-5%,” said Scandlines chief executive Søren Poulsgaard Jensen.
NABU, the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, is pleased with Scandlines’ decision to further reduce CO2 emissions. “NABU welcomes Scandlines’ efforts towards sustainable shipping. With rotors besides hybrid drives, the company sets new standards in integrating different technical solutions to mitigate climate and air pollution emissions. To reach the Paris climate goals, more corporate responsibility by other shipping companies is needed,” said NABU head of environmental policy Malte Siegert.
Commenting on the deal, Norsepower chief executive Tuomas Riski said “As a leading clean technology and engineering company, we are proud to be partnering with Scandlines as we work towards a modern era of auxiliary wind propulsion for the global maritime fleet, while supporting shipping’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.