Anemoi Marine Technologies, a London-based rotor sail developer, has won part of a UK Government grant through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) along with three partners. 

The group, which includes the Victoria Steamship Company, Connected Places Catapult, and Frazer-Nash Consultancy, has won £1,376,048 ($1,738,551) to further develop 24-metre tall rotor sails for commercial shipping. 

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The group said the project would cost approximately £1.9m, with the majority covered by the CMDC grant. 

Anemoi said the funding will cover the design, building and testing of a demonstrator model of the “novel” system. Pressure Design Hydraulics has been contracted to manufacture the prototype. 

The project is intended to design a new, smaller version of Anemoi’s existing rotor sails which are fit for Kamsarmax and VLOC ships. 

The 3.5m diameter Rotor Sail will be well suited for mid-range vessels, such as Handysize and Ultramax bulkers, chemical and product tankers, and RoRos, according to Anemoi. 

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The firm explained its partners would assist with technical tasks, such as dynamics analysis by Frazer-Nash, regulatory and certification via Stehr Consulting, and market research-analysis by Victoria Steamship and Connected Places Catapult. 

Kim Diederichsen, Anemoi CEO explained the goal of environmental innovation is a key aim of the company.

“We are thrilled to be selected for this valuable grant to build the demonstrator which will continue to propel our commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. 

“We aim not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry but to also chart a course towards innovation, collaboration, and positive environmental impact on a global scale.”

UK Maritime Minister, Lord Byron Davies, announced the winners. 

“Unlocking a sustainable maritime sector and the economic growth it provides relies on cutting-edge technology to propel it to the next level. The voyage to sustainability demands bold investments to not just deliver greener shipping but highly skilled jobs across the UK,” he said.

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