Installation of Rotor Sails on a Kamsarmax bulk carrier, was completed in Chengxi Shipyard, China, and is expected to save more than 10% fuel and emissions annually.
The 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier TR Lady was retrofitted with three 5×24m Rotor Sails by wind-propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies and the sails installation took place in Chengxi Shipyard, China, in June 2023.
The TR Lady is owned by TR Lady Shipping, a portfolio company of Tufton Investment Management, and is on a time charter with Cargill.
The technology was installed on Anemoi’s unique and patented transverse rail deployment system.
This system enables the sails, which are fixed to the centre line during voyages, to be moved port or starboard when berthed for cargo operations, meaning loading and unloading can continue without being obstructed. Class approvals have been awarded by Lloyd’s Register.
Rotor Sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are vertical cylinders which, when driven to rotate, harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust.
The provider Anemoi claims that “these highly efficient mechanical sails capitalise on the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Magnus Effect and will deliver significant fuel and emission savings to TR Lady.”
The bulk carrier TR Lady has now completed its first voyage with the Rotor Sails from China to Australia.
During this voyage, Anemoi engineers sailed with the vessel for sea acceptance testing and trials.
It’s worth noting that the performance of the Anemoi Rotor Sails on the TR Lady will continue to be monitored over the coming months.
Kim Diederichsen, chief executive of Anemoi Marine Technologies, noted that the “installation is a testament to our large supply chain in China and our dedicated team. We look forward to assessing the performance and seeing continued positive results for our environment.”
Andrew Hampson, chief executive of Tufton Investment Management, said that “we and our investors are committed to shipping’s decarbonisation journey and believe wind propulsion is a key enabler in helping Tufton reach its 2050 net-zero goals. We are very proud to have been able to support this innovative application of decarbonisation technology on TR Lady.”
