Anemoi Rotor Sails prove long term reliability after Afros dry dock survey

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Anemoi Marine Technologies said the Rotor Sail system installed on the bulk carrier M/V Afros has passed its second intermediate survey after more than eight years in operation.

The survey was carried out by Lloyd’s Register at Jiangsu Watts Energy & Engineering Co on April 13. Inspectors reported no structural or operational issues with the vessel’s four Rotor Sails, providing one of the shipping sector’s longest independently verified operating records for wind assisted propulsion systems.

Installed in January 2018 on the 64,000 dwt geared Ultramax bulk carrier owned by Blue Planet Shipping, the system has now completed 154 voyages and around 200 port calls while maintaining more than 95% operational availability.

According to Anemoi, the Rotor Sails have delivered fuel savings of 1,340 tonnes and reduced well to wake CO₂ emissions by 4,980 tonnes since installation.

The company said the performance figures remain closely aligned with results from its larger modern Rotor Sail systems. The original sails on Afros measure 2 metres in diameter and 16 metres in height, significantly smaller than the 5 metre by 35 metre systems now entering service.

Nick Contopoulos, Co Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Anemoi, said the survey results reduce uncertainty for shipowners evaluating wind propulsion technologies as emissions regulations tighten.

Blue Planet Shipping Managing Director Nikos Apodiakos said Afros has traded with 32 different charterers since entering service, showing the Rotor Sail installation has not limited spot market employment.

The vessel also introduced Anemoi’s longitudinal rail deployment system, allowing Rotor Sails to be repositioned during cargo operations so cargo handling flexibility is maintained.