Finland’s Norsepower has completed the installation of its Rotor Sail technology aboard the Yodohime bulk carrier.
The project is a collaboration between IINO Kaiun Kaisha and Electric Power Development. The installation works were undertaken at a dockyard in December 2024, with the vessel’s first post-installation voyage taking place this month.
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The Rotor Sail, measuring 24m x 4m, is expected to improve the ship’s efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
The Norsepower Rotor Sail, positioned on the forecastle deck, harnesses wind power to create thrust through the Magnus effect.
The wind propulsion system integrates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to adjust the rotor sail operation including rotation, direction and speed based on real-time weather data, which are gathered using sensors.
By doing so, the propulsion system can optimise the ship’s performance, potentially cutting fuel usage and CO₂ emissions by an estimated 6%-10%, according to the company.
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By GlobalDataThe Rotor Sail requires only a small amount of the ship’s electrical power for its operation. As the cylindrical sail rotates, it captures wind energy to produce thrust, allowing the main engine’s power to be reduced.
This technology is not only beneficial for bulk carriers but has also shown “promising” results across various vessel types, including tankers, cruise ships, and ferries, stated Norsepower.
Norsepower stated that its Rotor Sails are designed to be “highly” automated, thus minimising the crew’s workload.
The technology has undergone testing in partnership with leading classification societies.
Earlier this month, Norwegian shipowner Berge Rederi partnered with Norsepower to install Rotor Sails on two general cargo vessels, designed by Marine Design and Consulting (MDC) and built by Jiangsu SOHO Marine Heavy Industry.
In November 2024, Norsepower opened a rotor sail factory in Dafeng, China, aiming to produce 50 sails annually, with plans to double output by 2027.
