COPENHAGEN: The container sector is set to see its first vessel fitted with a rotor sails with an Anemoi unit fitted on a Maersk vessel. Anemoi will install a five-metre diameter and 35 high fixed rotor sail which will be integrated into existing onboard systems.
While rotor sails have been growing in popularity as a propulsion method to reduce fuel consumption on dry bulk carriers and tankers the container sector has until now not taken up the solution due to a lack of deck space to install the cylindrical sails.
An artist impression of the Anemoi rotor sail fitted on a Maersk container ship shows a single unit fitted on the bow of the vessel, unlike tanker and bulker installations which have multiple sails along the deck of the vessel.
Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, Maersk, said, “Wind-assisted propulsion is one of several promising maritime solutions with the potential to improve vessel efficiency and reduce emissions. It has already been tested in other parts of the shipping sector, and we see this pilot with Anemoi as a valuable opportunity to build practical experience and assess its relevance for our fleet and for container shipping more broadly.”
The rotor sail is due to be installed in mid-2027.
