Coalition for wind propulsion at sea
Japanese Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have entered into an agreement with Vale International to conduct a joint study on the installation of a wind propulsion system called “rotor sail” on a 200,000 t class in-service bulk carrier, which mainly transports iron ore for steel production.
The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the vessel while underway. Rotor sails are tall cylindrical sails that can be installed on the deck of commercial vessels, making use of the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the ‘Magnus effect’.
As the cylinder rotates within an airflow, a forward thrust force perpendicular to the apparent wind direction is created, which delivers additional thrust to the vessel.
The joint study team will examine and verify the number of rotor sails to be installed and the effect of GHG reduction, working closely with UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies (Anemoi), the manufacturer of the rotor sails. (sh)