Testing begins on first tanker utilising wind propulsion

Norsepower Oy Ltd., together with project partners Maersk Tankers, Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) and Shell Shipping & Maritime, announced the installation of two Norsepower Rotor Sails onboard 'Maersk Pelican', a Maersk Tankers Long Range 2 (LR2) product tanker vessel, targeting an emissions reduction of 7-10%. The Rotor Sails are large, cylindrical mechanical sails that spin to create a pressure differential - called the Magnus effect - that propels the vessel forward. The Rotor Sails will provide auxiliary wind propulsion to the vessel, optimising fuel efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions by an expected 7-10% on typical global shipping routes. The Rotor Sails are the world’s largest at 30 metres tall by five metres in diameter and were installed on the product tanker vessel in the port of Rotterdam. The first voyage with the Rotor Sails installed will commence shortly.