Oldendorff Carriers has announced a collaboration with Norsepower to equip its post-panamax bulk carrier, Dietrich Oldendorff, with three innovative rotor sails. These sails, measuring 24 meters by 4 meters each, are set to be installed by mid-2024, marking a significant step in reducing CO2 emissions during voyages along the North Pacific trade route to Asia.
Rotor sails, a contemporary adaptation of Flettner rotors, utilize vertical cylindrical structures rotated by onboard power to generate thrust through aerodynamic effects and wind interaction. The integration of these advanced sails aims to curtail fuel consumption, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability in maritime operations.
Tuomas Riski, CEO of Norsepower, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, hailing Oldendorff as an ideal collaborator given its extensive industry experience and commitment to green shipping. He remarked, “Oldendorff is making green shipping a reality today and is the best partner we could have on our journey towards the zero-carbon industry.”
The collaboration underscores a pivotal shift towards eco-friendly practices within the maritime sector. By embracing mechanical sails, Oldendorff exemplifies proactive engagement in decarbonizing shipping operations. Tuomas Riski further emphasized the potential synergy between mechanical sails and alternative fuels, offering a multifaceted approach to cost reduction and emissions mitigation.
In a recent podcast, Tuomas delved into the intricacies of fuel consumption reduction and emission abatement through the adoption of mechanical sails. The dialogue explored various aspects, including the efficacy of modernized mechanical sails, integration with alternative fuels, operational dynamics, and the transformative role of wind in maritime endeavors.
The imminent installation of rotor sails on the Dietrich Oldendorff heralds a paradigm shift in vessel propulsion technology, heralding a future where wind becomes a valuable ally rather than a hindrance. Moreover, the initiative raises pertinent considerations regarding retrofitting existing vessels versus incorporating such innovations in newbuilds, alongside assessing the economic viability and payback period associated with such endeavors.
As global energy prices soar, the integration of mechanical sails offers a beacon of hope, promising substantial savings in operational costs while concurrently fostering environmental stewardship. The collaboration between Oldendorff and Norsepower epitomizes the maritime industry’s commitment to sustainable innovation, setting a precedent for future initiatives aimed at realizing a carbon-neutral shipping ecosystem.
Source: seatrade-maritime
