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 designs target vessels in the 60,000-65,000dwt range and aim to simplify installation while improving the fuel-saving potential of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).
Two configurations have been developed using Anemoi’s latest-generation rotor sails, measuring 3.5m in diameter and 24.5m in height. According to the companies, the increased sail area is intended to deliver greater efficiency compared with earlier installations.
One configuration features a single rotor sail mounted on the forecastle deck, while the second uses a longitudinal rail system to deploy up to three sails along the upper deck.
“Ultramax vessels have been early adopters of WAPS technology,” said Nick Contopoulos, chief commercial officer at Anemoi Marine Technologies. “The AiP represents an opportunity to apply lessons from earlier installations to optimize efficiency with our latest products.”
The approval confirms the technical feasibility of the designs under ClassNK guidelines for wind-assisted propulsion systems. The assessment covered factors including structural integration, vessel stability, fire safety and compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) framework.
The project also reflects ongoing collaboration between Anemoi and NACKS (part of the Cosco group) as shipyards in China increase their share of bulk carrier construction.
According to industry data cited by the companies, China now accounts for more than 25% of bulk carrier new-builds, compared with around 5% a decade ago.
The companies said the designs are intended to support wider adoption of wind-assisted propulsion in the Ultramax segment, which is expected to see continued fleet growth.
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