Image:Anemoi
Anemoi Marine Technologies, an innovtor in sustainable maritime solutions, has clinched a significant grant from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 4. The grant, part of UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions’ interventions, amounts to £1.9 million. This funding is earmarked for the development and testing of Anemoi’s cutting-edge 3.5m diameter by 24.5m high Rotor Sail design.
The CMDC Round 4 focuses on financing real-world demonstrations, trials, and feasibility studies for clean maritime technologies that aim to slash greenhouse gas emissions. Anemoi’s Rotor Sail project, backed by the grant, encompasses design activities, construction, and rigorous testing of the demonstrator. Pressure Design Hydraulics Ltd, experts in test rig manufacturing, will build the system, to be housed at VINCI Technology Centre. Anemoi is eligible for over £1.2 million of the total project costs.
Known for its success with the commercially proven 5m diameter Rotor Sails, Anemoi’s installations on Kamsarmax and VLOC vessels have made waves. The newly funded 3.5m diameter Rotor Sail is tailored for mid-range vessels, including Handysize and Ultramax bulkers, chemical and product tankers, and RoRos. This expansion allows more vessels to embrace wind propulsion, marking a significant stride in the shipping industry’s ongoing decarbonization efforts.
Anemoi’s expertise in the bulker segment, exemplified by a successful 6-year stint with Rotor Sails on the m/v Afros, positions the company well for this venture. The unique longitudinal rail deployment system, proven on the Ultramax vessel, will be retained for the new 3.5 x 24.5m Rotor Sails, catering to specific vessel requirements without hindering cargo operations.
The year-long development project will see collaborative efforts from key partners. Frazer-Nash Consultancy will conduct dynamics analysis, Stehr Consulting Ltd, in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register, will lead regulation and certification assessment, and market research will be handled by Connected Places Catapult. Victoria Steamship, a UK-based vessel operator, will provide invaluable insights into stakeholder needs. These collaborative initiatives are pivotal in fast-tracking the development and implementation of energy-saving technology in the shipping sector.
Kim Diederichsen, CEO of Anemoi, expressed excitement about the grant, emphasizing the commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. Keir Gravil, Business Manager at Frazer-Nash Consultancy, hailed the CMDC as a fantastic opportunity to showcase technical innovation, affirming their pleasure in being part of Anemoi’s groundbreaking project.
