Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed a joint development project (JDP) integrating its rotor sails into the design of a medium-range (MR) tanker, with classification society DNV issuing an approval in principle (AIP) for the resulting design.
The project was developed in partnership with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) and tanker operator Hafnia. The AIP confirms the feasibility of the design and that no significant technical barriers exist to its implementation.
The design centers on an EX-rated version of Anemoi’s 5 x 35m folding rotor sail, meeting explosion safety requirements for equipment deployed in hazardous areas on product tanker decks. Working with GSI, Anemoi developed a lightweight deck seat that avoids the need for underdeck strengthening while allowing straightforward inspection and maintenance, addressing the tight constraints around deck space, cargo operations and safety that characterize the MR tanker segment.
DNV’s review covered the full design package, including treatment of the rotor sails within IMO’s EEDI and EEXI energy-efficiency frameworks. The project also demonstrated potential benefits to vessel energy-efficiency performance.
Nick Contopoulos, chief production and partnerships officer at Anemoi, said, “Demonstrating that our EX-rated rotor sail can be integrated efficiently, safely and with minimal structural impact on MR tankers gives owners a clear, verified pathway to adoption.”
Jesper Kristiansen, general manager technical at Hafnia, said the project provided “a credible technical foundation from which to assess deployment of wind-assisted propulsion across this fleet,” as the operator navigates increasing efficiency and emissions demands from charterers and regulators.
Huang Jun, deputy chief engineer at GSI, said the project “solves very practical issues to deploying solutions on MR tankers,” adding that GSI is now in a position to offer rotor sail-ready MR tanker designs to owners worldwide.
Aakash Dua, regional business development manager at DNV, said, “Working together with GSI, Anemoi and Hafnia, this AIP means we have a new technical reference point for WAPS in this important ship segment.”
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