These sailors will really be sailing

Danish shipping giant Maersk signed an agreement with Anemoi Marine Technologies for the first-ever wind-powered Rotor Sail installation on a container vessel, supporting the company’s efforts to improve vessel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Founded in 2015, London-based Anemoi develops wind propulsion systems for commercial shipping. The company’s Rotor Sail technology harnesses wind power to provide auxiliary vessel propulsion, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Anemoi said that it typically installs between three and five Rotor Sails, up to 35 meters in height, on each vessel, with each Rotor Sail saving approximately one ton of fuel per day and around three tons of CO₂ emissions.

Under the agreement, Anemoi will design, manufacture, and deliver a 5m diameter, 35m high fixed Rotor Sail for installation on one of Maersk’s 300-meter long 8,700 TEU container ships, which will continue operating in regular commercial service throughout the trial. – Full report