Revolutionizing Maritime Transport: Wind-Assisted Propulsion Gains Traction in Gas-Carriers
Wind-assisted propulsion is making significant progress in the gas-carrier sector through two innovative projects.
Norsepower and IINO LINES have successfully installed two Rotor Sails™ on the Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) Oceanus Aurora, which is chartered by Borealis, a leading provider of polyolefins solutions in Europe. These custom-designed units are 20 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter, showcasing advanced technology in maritime propulsion.
The Norsepower Rotor Sail™ system, a modern version of the Flettner rotor, operates by using minimal electrical power to rotate cylindrical sails, creating thrust through the Magnus effect. This technology is expected to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Source: SHI
The vessel, which operates between Houston and Scandinavian ports, is anticipated to achieve around a 4 % reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Thomas Van De Velde, Senior Vice President of Base Chemicals and Energy at Borealis, emphasized the importance of minimizing the environmental impact of transportation activities as part of their Energy & Climate strategy.
In a related development, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has received Approval in Principle from the Liberian Registry and Korean Register for their LNG carrier design equipped with wing sails. This innovative design features a forward bridge placement to improve visibility, addressing common challenges in wind-assisted propulsion systems.
The future of wind propulsion technology appears bright, with the UK Department of Transport’s Clean Marine Plan predicting market growth to 3,5 trillion KRW by the 2050s. Industry leaders are optimistic about the technology’s potential, with Jang Hae-gi, Executive Vice President at Samsung Heavy Industries, stating that wind power is “a crucial pillar for achieving carbon neutrality in the shipbuilding and shipping industry.”
These advancements mark significant progress in the maritime industry’s efforts toward sustainable operations, merging traditional wind power concepts with modern technology to tackle current environmental challenges.
