Berge Bulk, which aims to develop and deploy commercially viable deep-sea zero-emission vessels by 2030, has signed agreements with Anemoi Marine Technologies for the supply and installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails on board two vessels in Berge’s dry bulk fleet.
To ensure it was wind-ready, the 388k DWT Valemax ore carrier Berge Neblina had structural integration carried out at a scheduled dry dock in early 2022 to enable the rotor sails to be installed. The installation will see four of Anemoi’s large folding deployment Rotor Sails fitted to improve operational performance. These rotors can be lowered from a vertical position to a horizontal position to reduce the impact of air draught and for ease when conducting cargo handling operations.
The second vessel, the Berge Mulhacen, a 210k DWT Newcastlemax bulk carrier, also underwent structural integration for four folding Rotor Sails. Both ships have received plan approval from maritime classification society DNV.
By harnessing the renewable power of the wind to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, Anemoi predicts the four-rotor system will save Berge Bulk 1,200 to 1,500 metric tons of fuel per vessel annually.
“We’re committed to continuous innovation and exploring cleaner, greener energy sources,” commented Paolo Tonon, technical director, Berge Bulk. “Wind propulsion is an option we have explored previously in other formats, and we firmly believe it can help achieve our decarbonization commitments. The partnership with Anemoi commenced with in-depth engineering simulations to find the best possible technical and commercial solution. Therefore, we are pleased to be rolling out their Rotor Sail technology on our vessels.
“I’m delighted to be announcing this partnership with Berge Bulk,” added Kim Diederichsen, CEO, Anemoi Marine Technologies. “It is a further confirmation that forward-thinking shipowners are turning to wind-assisted propulsion to help them achieve their environmental objectives – and it proves, once again, that Rotor Sails are a realistic and workable solution that results in significant carbon savings.”