UK-based wind-assisted ship propulsion systems developer Anemoi Marine Technologies has won a major funding, under the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, to advance a rotor sail design.
As disclosed, the £1.2m project will include the development of a ‘next-generation’ folding sail system intended for kamsarmax and panamax bulk carriers. The initiative will reportedly also cover aerodynamic design enhancements aimed at ‘boosting’ fuel savings.
More specifically, under the seven-month project, Anemoi will design, build and test a prototype of a new folding system for its 3.5m rotor sail.
Folding systems have previously only been used on larger 5m sails, the company noted in its statement, which described the result as the “industry’s-first” for rotor sails of this size.
In addition to the folding system development, the project will cover additional design optimisations, which are expected to “improve the aerodynamic performance of wind-assisted vessels.”
“While our Rotor Sails are already efficient and high-performing, ongoing innovation is essential to unlock further efficiency gains, adapt to evolving vessel designs, and meet increasingly ambitious environmental targets,” said Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies.
“This investment underscores Anemoi’s potential to support the UK in sustainable shipping as the maritime industry works to cut emissions.”
The UK Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition has so far directed £136m in government funding to engineering innovators developing cutting-edge maritime decarbonisation solutions.
