JDP to assess potential of wind power aboard bulkers
The rotors can be brought from a vertical to horizontal position during loading and unloading operations (Source: Oldendorff Carriers)
A joint development project (JDP) signed by Germany’s Oldendorff Carriers, London-based Anemoi Marine Technologies, Lloyd’s Register and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) has been set up to assess the scope of wind-assisted propulsion, using rotor sails, on bulk carriers. The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.
The partners plan to install Anemoi’s patented vertical rotor sails on the deck of a 207,000-dwt Newcastlemax bulk carrier and then carry out tests to gauge the increase in forward thrust, the level of fuel savings, and the resulting emission reductions.
Depending on the outcome, Oldendorff will decide whether or not to proceed with the installation of wind propulsion technology on one or more other bulk carriers in its fleet.
Oldendorff’s Innovation director, Torsten Barenthin, said that together with its partners the company is seeking to achieve a comprehensive functional application of wind technology that returns environmental and commercial benefits throughout ships’ entire life cycles.
“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,” he said.
