Oldendorff Carriers announced its participation in a joint development project to design and test wind-assisted propulsion technology for its dry bulk carriers. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Specifically, the project will break down significant barriers for the installation of rotor sails technology and pave the path for commercial-ready applications across the industry.
For the project, Oldendorff will collaborate with Anemoi Marine Technologies which has patented vertical rotors. In addition, Lloyd’s Register and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute will also participate in the project to develop a wind-assisted propulsion solution for dry bulk carriers.
The project will focus on developing the designs of Anemoi’s vertical rotors, which serve as mechanical sails, on the deck of an Oldendorff vessel. When driven to rotate, the rotors harness the power of the wind to provide additional thrust to vessels, reducing fuel consumption. To ensure the rotors do not interfere with cargo operations and air draft limitations, the sails are mounted with a folding system that enables them to be lowered from vertical into a horizontal position on deck
According to Torsten Barenthin, Director Innovation of Oldendorff Carriers
This JDP, together with other ongoing projects in our company, is a testament to our commitment to the development and application of green technologies across our fleet. By partnering with the ship designer (SDARI), manufacturer (Anemoi), and Classification Society (LR), OC seeks to achieve a comprehensive functional application of wind technology that returns environmental and commercial benefits throughout our vessels’ entire life cycle.
It is added that when the design and study phase is completed, the results will determine whether Oldendorff will proceed with the installation of the wind rotor technology aboard one of its vessels. By fitting vertical rotors on a 207,000 dwt Newcastlemax bulk carrier, wind propulsion would be tested on long haul voyages.
