Japanese feasibility study into soft sails on a bulk carrier

The project will focus on the installation of a wing-shaped soft sail, designed by North Sails Japan (NSJ), on the vessel’s derrick post. The innovative soft sail, constructed from advanced polyethylene fibre fabric, stands 8 meters high and 13.2 meters wide. Its design allows for the adjustment of its attack angle in response to wind direction, harnessing wind energy to supplement the ship’s propulsion. This auxiliary power is expected to reduce the consumption of heavy fuel oil and contribute to a decrease in CO2 emissions.

SHI-ME and NSJ will oversee the design and implementation of the wind-assisted propulsion system, including the soft sail, while also analyzing operational data collected during the trial. ORIX will manage the installation and be responsible for measuring fuel efficiency in real-world conditions. The energy-saving impact will be estimated based on theoretical models and actual data gathered during the study.

This initiative comes in response to the IMO’s strengthened greenhouse gas reduction targets, which aim to achieve net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by around 2050. Through this feasibility study, Orix and SHI-ME seek to enhance the fuel efficiency of existing vessels, advance their expertise in wind-assisted propulsion systems, and accelerate the development of this green technology for future use.