Anemoi secures funding to develop Rotor Sail system for bulk carriers
Anemoi Secures Funding for Innovative Sail Technology
Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based developer of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems, has successfully secured £1.2 million ($1.59 million) in funding from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CDMC). This investment will support the development of a pioneering folding sail system tailored for Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers, aiming to enhance fuel efficiency through advanced aerodynamic designs. The CDMC, which has allocated £136 million in UK government funding, seeks to position the country as a leader in clean maritime energy and stimulate growth in coastal communities.
Advancing Wind-Assisted Propulsion Technology
The funding will enable Anemoi to design, construct, and test a prototype of its next-generation folding sail system over a seven-month period. This innovative approach represents a significant milestone in the industry, as it introduces folding sails of 3.5 meters, a size previously limited to larger 5-meter sails. The ability to lower these sails during port operations is expected to address operational challenges and facilitate the wider adoption of wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
Anemoi’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency is further exemplified by its rail deployment system, which allows for the movement of Rotor Sails across a ship’s deck. The project will also focus on aerodynamic optimizations that promise to improve fuel savings and reduce emissions beyond the capabilities of Anemoi’s existing Rotor Sails. CEO Clare Urmston emphasised the importance of ongoing innovation, stating that this funding will help advance the next generation of Rotor Sail technology, ultimately supporting the UK’s goals for sustainable shipping and emission reductions.
Collaboration is key to this project, with Pressure Design Hydraulics Engineers set to manufacture the test rig, while Cape Horn Engineering and Stehr Consulting will contribute to aerodynamic enhancements. Additionally, Victoria Steamship, which operates a global fleet of nine bulk carriers, will provide valuable industry insights for the development of the folding Rotor Sail system. The UK innovation accelerator, Connected Places Catapult, will conduct market research and studies on port and vessel integration to further support the initiative.
In a related development, Anemoi, in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Advisory, recently introduced a standardized methodology for verifying the performance of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems. This new report aims to simplify the verification process, reduce costs for operators, and enhance accuracy in performance assessments, marking another step forward in the evolution of sustainable maritime technologies.
