Hudong-Zhonghua to explore rotor sail applicability for LNGCs

The deal was signed on 26 October between Nick Contopoulos, Chief Operating Officer of Anemoi, and Wang Jiaying, Director of Research and Design Department from Hudong-Zhonghua, at DongHua Technology Building in China.

In addition to feasibility and design work, the project is intended to develop relevant specification requirements and designs that can be used for future installation projects in order to meet current and future environmental targets. In this way, the project is intended to improve the confidence of gas carrier owners in Rotor Sail technology.

Rotor Sails offer a convenient wind-assisted propulsion solution for LNG carriers due to the large amount of available deck space and limited impact on cargo operations. 

In May, Anemoi announced it was on track to have a production capacity to install up to 50 Rotor Sails a year by the end of 2023 due to growing demand for the technology.

“We are pleased to be working closely with Hundong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group to develop practical designs and specifications for Rotor Sails onboard LNG carriers,” said Contopoulos. “With more stringent requirements related to emissions from shipping coming into force, combined with a pressure to protect the environment, ship owners are seeking practical technology that can be easily installed onboard vessels to improve their energy efficiency.”