Norsepower to install rotor sails on two newbuild LNG powered carriers

Norsepower claims these rotor sails will reduce fuel consumption and curb carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 5%.

PHOTO: A model of the carrier with Norsepower Rotor Sails. Norsepower

Finish wind propulsion Norsepower has signed an agreement with the Chinese Dalian Shipbuilding Industry to install 28x4 meter Norsepower rotor sails each on two LNG-powered carriers that are expected to be commissioned by 2024.

The vessels will be equipped with Norsepower’s wind assisted rotor sails system and other energy efficiency technologies, Norsepower said.

A rotor sail is a modern version of flettner rotor that is based on the Magnus effect, which creates air pressure to cause spinning.

During favourable wind conditions, the rotor sails will allow the vessel's main engine to throttle back and save fuel consumption while providing enough power to maintain speed.

Earlier this month, Norsepower announced that it will retrofit rotor sails on vessels operated by Mining major BHP and Pan Pacific Copper.

“The industry is transforming quickly and newbuild vessels are being built today to operate efficiently ahead of 2050,” Norsepower’s chief executive Tuomas Riski.