Retractable sail for Capesize bulk carrier

Namura believes that fuel-efficient technology using wind power will become an indispensable technology in the future. Through this joint project the two partners are aiming to develop fuel-efficient technology using sails to harness the power of the wind.

Namura has applied for a patent on a sail system in which extending sails are located below deck and employed whenever wind conditions are favourable.

In use, the sails are elevated above deck and can also be extended laterally to increase the sail surface and hence the propulsion effect. The sails can also be rotated to take better advantage of wind direction. When wind conditions are not favourable, or when the ship is conducting cargo operations, the sails are retracted and stored below deck.

In order to preserve the SOLAS mandatory line of sight requirements from the bridge, the size and height of the sails will be optimised. This involves the height of the sails reducing from the wheelhouse towards the bows. Nearer the bows, the height can be increased but the width narrowed allowing vision from the bridge to remain unobstructed.