Anemoi and Hudong-Zhonghua to collaborate on rotor sails

Anemoi Marine Technologies and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group have entered into a Joint Design Cooperation Agreement on the design of rotor sail installations for two LNG carrier newbuildings.

Anemoi will assess the feasibility and design of rotor sails and develop relevant specification requirements and designs that can also be used for future projects. The partners hope that the project will also boost confidence in rotor sail technology amongst gas carrier operators, with a view to the evolution of a new generation of LNG tanker designs built to harness the power of the wind.

Rotor sails are well-suited for LNG carriers because the ships have plenty of space on deck. Moreover, the sails do not interfere with cargo operations.

The agreement was signed by Nick Contopoulos, COO of Anemoi, and Wang Jiaying, the shipbuilder’s director of Research and Design.  

Said Contopoulos: “We are pleased to be working with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group to develop practical designs and specifications for rotor sails on board LNG carriers. With more stringent requirements related to emissions from shipping coming into force, combined with pressure to protect the environment, shipowners are seeking practical technology that can be easily installed on board vessels to improve their energy efficiency. Anemoi has been developing industry-leading wind propulsion for years, and this new venture is the next step in rotor sails becoming critical components of shipping’s decarbonisation journey.”

Anemoi announced in May that it would have sufficient production capacity to install up to 50 rotor sails a year by the end of 2023.