Sails on rails: Anemoi and NACKS get AiP for new Ultramax WAPS
Anemoi and NACKS’ newly designed system has received approval in principle (Source: Anemoi)
Anemoi Marine Technologies and Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) have received approval in principle (AiP) from ClassNK for new rotor sail integration designs for Ultramax bulk carriers. The companies said the concept supports wider adoption of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) as the segment prepares for fleet growth.
The designs target vessels of 60,000 to 65,000 dwt and feature two installation configurations using Anemoi’s latest rotor sails, measuring 3.5m in diameter and 24.5m in height. One arrangement places a single sail on the forecastle deck, while the other incorporates a longitudinal rail system, similar to those seen on port ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, enabling deployment of three sails on the upper deck.
Nick Contopoulos, CCO at Anemoi, said: “Ultramax vessels have been early adopters of WAPS technology, going back to Anemoi’s installation on the world’s first bulk carrier with rotor sails in 2018, the MV Afros, and the AiP represents an opportunity to apply all those lessons to optimise installations for maximum efficiency on our generation three products.”
The approval confirms feasibility under ClassNK guidelines, covering structural integration, stability, safety, and energy efficiency under IMO requirements. The collaboration with NACKS also reflects increasing involvement of Chinese shipyards in bulk carrier construction and retrofit projects.
