Victoria Steamship Company Ltd. has announced its collaboration with Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. for the development and testing of a cutting-edge 3.5m diameter x 24.5m high Rotor Sail. This initiative comes on the heels of Anemoi securing a grant from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).
As a pivotal partner in this venture, Victoria Steamship will play a crucial role by offering valuable insights into the requirements of stakeholders and vessel operators. The project aligns with the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), sponsored by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and executed by Innovate UK. CMDC4 falls under the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program, a £206 million initiative aimed at advancing technology to decarbonize the UK’s domestic maritime sector.
Anemoi’s existing Rotor Sail, with a 5m diameter and variable heights, is presently being incorporated into larger vessels like Kamsarmax, Newcastlemax, and VLOCs. The newly introduced 3.5m Rotor Sails will cater specifically to mid-size vessels, including Ultramax and Handysize bulk carriers.
Given Victoria Steamship’s extensive fleet in this category, the company is well-positioned to contribute technical expertise on bulk carrier operations. This includes providing essential vessel data, offering feedback, and participating in the evaluation of representative vessels. The collaborative effort will encompass regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and confidence-building measures.
Beyond vessel-centric aspects, the project will delve into market research, regulation and classification, and supply chain development. These facets will be addressed by other project partners, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the 3.5m Rotor Sail technology.
This development follows closely on the heels of Victoria Steamship’s involvement in preparing a scrubber and carbon capture system on the Post-Panamax m/v Alkimos, marking a significant milestone for environmentally sustainable shipping. Mr. Nikolas C Apodiacos, Managing Director of Blue Planet Shipping, emphasized the collective commitment to combatting global warming, stating, “We are leaders, pioneers, and advocates for a future where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of maritime endeavors.”
Established in the 1940s as Ship and Insurance Brokers and London Agents, Victoria Steamship has a rich history of supporting green initiatives. In 2018, the company played a crucial role in installing Anemoi’s first Rotor Sail system on the 64k Ultramax m/v Afros.
