Anemoi Marine Technologies and Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) have developed new wind-assisted ship propulsion integration solutions for Ultramax bulk carriers. Japanese classification society ClassNK granted the solutions an approval in principle (AiP).
The AiP confirms the feasibility of the integration concept designs under ClassNK’s guidelines for wind-assisted propulsion systems. Factors considered under the approval include sail particulars and arrangement, foundation and supporting structures, initial trim and stability calculations, fire and safety arrangements and energy efficiency calculations under IMO’s Energy Efficient Design Index (EEDI) framework.
Also read: Anemoi tops 1.6 mDWT in Rotor Sail installations
One or three Rotor Sails
The AiP concerns two configurations designed to streamline installation and enhance fuel-saving potential of Rotor Sails on 60,000-65,000-DWT vessels. The configurations fit a range of common operational requirements for Ultramax vessels. While one arrangement features one Rotor Sail, placed on the forecastle deck, the other uses a longitudinal rail system to deploy three sails on the upper deck.
Both use the latest-generation Rotor Sail from Anemoi, with a sail size of 3.5-metre diameter and 24.5 metres in height. This is an increased area compared to Anemoi’s pilot installation on an Ultramax in 2018, designed for greater fuel savings.
Also read: VIDEO: Anemoi wraps biggest wind propulsion project yet
Expanding reach
Working with COSCO-owned shipbuilder, NACKS, the project enables Anemoi to strengthen its collaboration and reach within Chinese yards. According to DNV, China now accounts for more than 25 per cent of the bulk carrier newbuilds compared to five per cent just a decade ago, with NACKS and the wider COSCO group contributing significant volumes.
Nick Contopoulos, Anemoi CCO: ‘Ultramax vessels have been early adopters of wind-assisted propulsion technology, going back to Anemoi’s installation on the world’s first bulk carrier with Rotor Sails in 2018, the M/V Afros, and the AiP represents an opportunity to apply all those lessons to optimise installations for maximum efficiency on our generation 3 products.’
Image by Anemoi.
Also read: VIDEO: Anemoi opens Rotor Sail production facility in China
