Based on the trials, Norsepower and Bore believe that a full system on M/V Estraden with two rotors has the potential to deliver 5% efficiency savings on an ongoing basis.
Tuomas Riski, ceo of Norsepower, said: "The results suggest that when Norsepower's technology is implemented at scale, it can produce up to 20% net savings in fuel costs with a payback period of less than four years at current fuel prices, confirming that wind technologies are commercially-viable solutions that reduce fuel and carbon emissions in the industry."
The Rotor Sail Solution was installed on the M/V Estraden in the end of 2014, and the vessel has operated in a continuous service between the Netherlands and the UK, sailing through the North Sea at speeds of 16 knots.
The Rotor Sail solution is a modernised version of the Flettner rotor, a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to propel a ship. When the wind conditions are favourable, the Rotor Sails allow the main engines to be throttled back, saving fuel and reducing emissions while providing the power needed to maintain speed and voyage time.
Jörgen Mansnerus, vice president of Bore, said, "We are proud to be the first ship-owner to install the Norsepower Rotor Sail, and demonstrate that wind propulsion technology has verifiable 5% fuel savings on a yearly basis, can be retrofitted without any off-hire costs, and is easy to use in practice. It's our goal to find ways to establish sustainable shipping with minimal impact on our environment.
