Innovative Methodology for Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Systems

Anemoi Marine Technologies, in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Advisory (LR Advisory), has launched a new methodology to standardize the performance verification of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems (WAPS). The report, titled “Performance Verification Of Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Systems By On-Off Testing,” offers a universal approach applicable to all WAPS, including but not limited to Anemoi’s Rotor Sails.

This process reduces costs and complexity for operators while improving accuracy compared to existing methods like ISO 19030. The LR Advisory-validated method analyzes vessel data with the propulsion system activated and deactivated under various conditions to refine predictions of forces generated by the rotor sail system and their impact on the vessel. This enables reliable forecasting of fuel savings during voyages.

Anemoi’s technical director, Luke McEwen, emphasized that the methodology aims to enhance transparency and consistency in evaluating WAPS, contributing to industry-wide standardization and supporting decarbonization in shipping. It eliminates the need for costly operational changes, such as docking vessels for dedicated sea trials.

The methodology’s effectiveness was proven on the TR Lady Kamsarmax, equipped with three Anemoi Rotor Sails, achieving an average fuel saving of 9,1 % and a reduction of seven tonnes of CO2 per sailing day over a year-long assessment. Separately, Seatransport, alongside Deployable Energy and Lloyd’s Register, is exploring nuclear power with micro-modular reactors for strategic response vessels in remote areas.