Rotor sail fitted to dry bulk carrier

The rotor sail, standing 35 m tall and 5 m dia., has a tilting foundation that allows it to be lowered down to facilitate cargo loading and discharge operations at ports.

The NPRS is a modernised version of the Flettner Rotor. The technology is based on the Magnus effect, that harnesses wind to improve ship fuel efficiency. When wind conditions are favourable, NPRS allows the vessel’s main engines to be throttled back, saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reducing the power needed to maintain speed and voyage time.

The parties had previously announced the partnership to collaborate on the initiative with the aim of reducing GHG emissions from maritime transportation between Chile and Japan.

Based on advanced simulations and Norsepower’s real-world performance data, the use of NPRS is estimated to provide a 5% – 6% fuel savings, on average, on the route between Chile and Japan and is expected to make m/v Koryu the best performing vessel in its category when measured for the vessel’s GHG emissions intensity.

BHP, PPC and Norsepower will be monitoring the NPRS performance onboard the m/v Koryu to determine the actual fuel savings and associated GHG emissions reduction.

BHP’s Vice President Maritime & Supply Chain Excellence, Rashpal Bhatti, said: “There are multiple onboard innovations that have potential to achieve GHG emissions reduction in the maritime supply chain and we are pleased to have collaborated with PPC and Norsepower, our like-minded ecosystem partners, to retrofit the NPRS on m/v Koryu to reduce shipping GHG emissions intensity on our Chile-Japan trade route. This route has one of the most favourable wind conditions, which was an important factor that the parties considered. It is one of the longest routes globally with such conditions, allowing the vessel to benefit from the longest ton/mile wind propulsion.”

Tomonori Uemura, Executive Officer of PPC, said: “PPC is delighted that we were able to complete the installation of the NPRS onboard m/v Koryu. This project, which aims to reduce GHG emissions intensity in maritime transportation between Japan and Chile, is a symbol of our cooperation with our partners to progress towards a decarbonised society, and we look forward to seeing the rotor sail’s performance.”

Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, said: "We are proud to collaborate with BHP and PPC on this project, which marks a significant step towards more sustainable shipping for the m/v Koryu. This partnership exemplifies how industry leaders can come together to drive positive environmental change. The successful retrofit of NPRS will reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by enhancing fuel efficiency in the ship. We look forward to tracking the measurable impact of this installation in real-world operations."

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/environment-sustainability/11072024/rotor-sail-fitted-to-dry-bulk-carrier/