The MV Afros, an Ultramax bulk carrier fitted with Anemoi's Flettner Rotor system, has been named "Ship of the Year" at the Lloyd's List Greek Shipping Awards 2018.
The 64,000 dwt newbuild vessel, managed by Piraeus-based Blue Planet Shipping, is the first geared dry bulk carrier to be equipped with Flettner Rotors.
Movable Flettner Rotors
The installation includes four Rotors which reduce vessel fuel consumption at sea. When in port, the rotors can be moved along the deck clear of cargo handling gear, preventing any impact on port operations.
The Flettner Rotor system was designed and installed by British company Anemoi Marine Technologies based in London. The system is also suitable for other types of vessels.
Flettner Rotors ("Wind Engines") utilise the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Magnus Effect to provide useful propulsion to the vessel by harnessing wind power to enhance vessel efficiency, reducing net fuel consumption and lowering harmful exhaust emissions. This installation on a globally trading bulker making long trans-oceanic voyages yields invaluable data regarding Rotor performance and optimisation. Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion promises significant (>10%) fuel savings when operating on routes with the most favourable wind conditions.
Watch a video of the Anemoi Flettner Rotor system in action below.
Reduced Onboard Power Needs
The SDARI designed vessel was built by China's Jiangsu Haitong Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd. and delivered in January 2018. The vessel is classed by Lloyd's Register and registered with the Marshall Islands. The MV Afros is also fitted with a Ship Energy Efficiency Management System consisting of variable frequency drives for primary pumps and fans, significantly reducing onboard power needs.
Preparing for an Era of Lower Emissions and New Fuels
The Lloyd's List Greek Awards evening had a topical edge this year, themed to reflect the shipping industry's current need to prepare for an era of lower emissions and new fuels. High on the agenda for every shipping company is the need to comply with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) new sulphur emissions regulations due into force in January 2020, which may increase bunkering costs.
Beyond 2020, the IMO target for a 50% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in shipping by 2050 will require the development and wide adoption of new technologies. As a way of harnessing renewable energy from the wind, Flettner Rotors can make a major contribution.
