VIDEO: Oldendorff explores Anemoi rotor sail solution for bulkers

Anemoi sails are mounted with a folding system that enables them to be lowered from vertical into a horizontal position on deck to avoid interference with cargo operattions or air draft limitations

Germany’s Oldendorff Carriers has signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) agreement with rotor sail specialist Anemoi Marine Technologies, Lloyd’s Register (LR), and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI). The JDP aims to break down significant barriers to the installation of rotor sail technology and pave the way for commercial-ready applications in the short-term.

Oldendorff says that by fitting vertical rotors on a Newcastlemax bulk carrier of 207,000 dwt, wind propulsion can be tested on long haul voyages and that it will decide whether to proceed with the installation of the technology aboard one of its vessels once the results of design and study phases of the JDP have been evaluated.

To ensure the Anemoi patented vertical rotors do not interfere with cargo operations and air draft limitations, the sails are mounted with a folding system that enables them to be lowered from vertical into a horizontal position on deck.

“This JDP, together with other ongoing projects in our company, is a testament to our commitment to the development and application of green technologies across our fleet,” said Torsten Barenthin, Director Innovation of Oldendorff Carriers. “By partnering with the ship designer (SDARI), manufacturer (Anemoi) and classification society (LR), OC seeks to achieve a comprehensive functional application of wind technology that returns environmental and commercial benefits throughout our vessels’ entire life cycle.”

“Partnering in this project further demonstrates Oldendorff Carriers’ commitment to sustainable shipping and their support of emerging wind propulsion technology as a route to future environmental compliance and decarbonization,“ said Nick Contopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, Anemoi Marine Technologies.