Another historic fleet-wide deal: six GEFO newbuild tankers

Norsepower has announced a groundbreaking partnership with GEFO and Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding, marking a significant advancement in the adoption of wind propulsion technology for European-owned fleets. This collaboration involves the construction of six chemical tankers, each designed to incorporate Norsepower’s innovative Rotor Sail™ technology. The agreement not only highlights a commitment to sustainability but also sets a new standard for operational efficiency in maritime transport.

Details of the Agreement

The newly formed alliance will see the construction of four 3,850 DWT chemical tankers, each equipped with a 20m x 4m Norsepower Rotor Sail™, alongside two larger 7,900 DWT tankers featuring a 28m x 4m Rotor Sail™. All six rotor sails will adhere to Norsepower’s EX-compliant design, ensuring safety for vessels transporting flammable cargo. These sails will be manufactured at Norsepower’s specialized factory in China and delivered to the shipyard fully assembled and tested, ready for installation.

Mr. Dr.-Ing. Henning Brauer, Technical Director at GEFO, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “At GEFO, we are committed to building a future-ready fleet that meets the highest standards of environmental performance and operational efficiency. Partnering with Norsepower allows us to integrate proven wind propulsion technology into our newbuilds from day one — supporting both our sustainability targets and our long-term competitiveness.”

Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding, a leading Chinese shipyard, will fulfill the six-vessel order, marking its first collaboration with both GEFO and Norsepower. This partnership not only enhances Norsepower’s footprint in Asia but also reinforces its role as a key player in sustainable shipbuilding practices. The vessels will be designed by the esteemed German firm SDC Ship Design & Consult GmbH, ensuring that wind propulsion is integrated from the earliest design stages for optimal performance.

Technological Advancements and Future Prospects

In addition to the physical vessels, GEFO will leverage the Norsepower Digital Dimension, which includes the AI-powered Norsepower Sentient Control™ system and a secure cloud-based data infrastructure. This advanced ecosystem will facilitate real-time performance optimization, predictive maintenance, and transparency in emissions savings, enhancing operational efficiency for the fleet.

Norsepower completes installation of its rotor sail on the bulk carrier Yodohime

Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, described the agreement as a landmark moment, stating, “This is a landmark agreement for Norsepower, not just because it involves two new customers and six vessels — but because it signals a fundamental shift in how wind propulsion is perceived in commercial shipping.” He highlighted that this move signifies a transition from pilot installations to full fleet commitments, indicating a growing market confidence in wind propulsion technology.

The six newbuild vessels have also received backing from the German Government’s Namkue Fund, which aims to promote sustainable coastal shipping and accelerate decarbonization technologies. The first vessels in this series are expected to be delivered in early 2026, with the installation of Norsepower Rotor Sails™ scheduled shortly after hull completion at the shipyard.