Wärtsilä wades into wind sail sector

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies on future sales and servicing of rotor sails. The Finnish giant plans to integrate Anemoi into its Propulsion Business, the company said in a statement, and will henceforth offer wind propulsion as a sustainable option for both new and existing ships.

Rotor sails are technically suitable for most ship types, but the initial focus is likely to centre on bulk carriers and tankers. The sails are based on Flettner Rotor technology and the Magnus Effect, in which rotating vertical cylinders harness renewable wind power and create forward thrust, supplementing other sources of power on board.

Kim Diederichsen, Anemoi Marine Technologies’ CEO, commented: “Our patented designs overcome operational constraints such as air draft and cargo handling, making the technology suitable for the majority of shipping sectors. As the industry focuses on emission reduction targets and energy saving, we are collaborating with Wärtsilä to strengthen our offering and facilitate the global uptake of rotor sails by offering clients a full end-to-end solution including sales, supply and lifecycle support.”

Speaking on behalf of Wärtsilä, vice president of the company’s marine propulsion unit, Bernd Bertram, said: “Wärtsilä is committed to fully supporting its customers by reducing their operating costs and reducing the environmental impact of their operations. This agreement further enhances our ability to meet this commitment, and we look forward to working closely with Anemoi Marine Technologies to realise the potential of this technology.”