Anemoi secures funding to develop Rotor Sail system for bulk carriers
Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based wind-assisted ship propulsion systems developer, has received funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition’s (CDMC) sixth round.
The £1.2m ($1.59m) project focuses on developing a “next generation folding sail system” specifically designed for Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers, aiming to enhance fuel savings through aerodynamic improvements.
The CDMC has allocated £136m in UK government funding to support maritime decarbonisation innovations to position the country as a leader in clean maritime energy, and to promote growth in coastal communities.
The funding provides Anemoi with the opportunity to enhance its technological leadership in the burgeoning wind-assisted propulsion market.
Anemoi will undertake the design, construction, and testing of a prototype folding system for its 3.5m Rotor Sail over a seven-month period.
This innovation marks a “first” in the industry for sails of this size, as folding systems have traditionally been limited to larger 5m sails.
The ability to lower sails during port operations will address operational challenges, potentially accelerating the adoption of wind-assisted propulsion.
Anemoi’s commitment to operational efficiency is further demonstrated by its rail deployment system, which enables Rotor Sails to be moved across a ship’s deck.
The project will also encompass design optimisations to improve aerodynamics, which are projected to increase fuel savings and reduce emissions beyond the capabilities of Anemoi’s current Rotor Sails.
Anemoi Marine Technologies CEO Clare Urmston said: “This funding will support Anemoi in advancing the next generation of Rotor Sail technology.
“While our Rotor Sails are already efficient and high-performing, ongoing innovation is essential to unlock further efficiency gains, adapt to evolving vessel designs, and meet increasingly ambitious environmental targets. This investment underscores Anemoi’s potential to support the UK in sustainable shipping as the maritime industry works to cut emissions.”
UK-based Pressure Design Hydraulics Engineers will manufacture the test rig, while Cape Horn Engineering and Stehr Consulting will collaborate on aerodynamic enhancements.
Victoria Steamship, with its global fleet of nine bulk carriers, will provide industry insights crucial for the development of the folding Rotor Sail system.
Market research and a study on port and vessel integration will be conducted by the UK innovation accelerator, Connected Places Catapult.
In July, Anemoi, in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Advisory, has introduced a new standardised methodology for verifying the performance of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems.
The report, “Performance Verification Of Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion Systems By On-Off Testing,” outlines a process applicable to various wind-assisted solutions, aiming to simplify and reduce costs for operators while increasing accuracy over existing methods.
