Norsepower Oy, the global provider of auxiliary wind propulsion systems, has signed a framework agreement with Offshore Technology Development (OTD), Keppel Offshore & Marine’s technology arm
Under the agreement, OTD can provide the initial survey, design and engineering works, and organise the equipment installation for Norsepower’s Rotor Sails. Norsepower will deliver project management, delivery, and installation supervision to support smooth installation, servicing and warranty support of the Rotor Sails.
Norsepower, which is also in a collaboration with fellow Finnish company Wärtsilä, noted that the shipping industry is under intense pressure from regulators and non-regulators to decarbonise.
IMO’s proposed Energy Efficiency Existing Shipping Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) are likely to come into force in 2023. Non-regulatory drivers from financiers through the Poseidon Principles, and cargo owners under the Sea Cargo Charter, have also ratcheted up the pressure to modernise fleets. For shipping to manage this transition at scale, more collaboration between reliable, innovative and independent engineering experts and technology providers is required.
The Norsepower/OTD announcement represents a significant step in fully commercialising the Rotor Sail which is capable of achieving, on average, between 5 and 20% reductions in carbon and other emissions, as well as fuel costs in suitable conditions.
The Norsepower Rotor Sail solution is the first third-party verified, commercially operational auxiliary wind propulsion technology for the global maritime industry.
The solution is fully automated and detects when the wind is strong enough to deliver fuel and emissions savings, at which point the Rotor Sails start automatically.
Norsepower has completed five installations to date and is due to complete its sixth installation of five tilting Rotor Sails on a bulker during the first half of this year.
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