Flettner Freighter concept to become reality

The FF8000 vessel will feature numerous modifications to the 4,500dwt FF4500 concept developed by C-Job as part of the European Union initiative Project S@AIL. Finnish company Norsepower, which has tested its own Flettner-based Rotor Sail extensively on Bore car carrier Estraden, has used its service experience to provide estimates of the FF8000’s sailing profile.

Alternative fuel options are also being considered for the modified design, including LNG and biofuels. Combined with an optimised hull form, C-Job said that the hybrid propulsion arrangement makes the 131m loa vessel a first in commercial shipping.

Stefan Switijnk, director, Ameland & Skylge Shipping, said: “Sustainable development is part of our future-proof philosophy as a family business.”

C-Job Naval Architects, which is known for innovative ships including hybrid CNG-electric ferry Texelstroom and the LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredger Bonny River for DEME Group, reported that it is currently putting the finishing touches to the FF8000 design.

Jelle Grijpstra, business manager at C-Job, added: “We often find that a design really comes to life through a 3D design, which we always use in the concept design phase. It really sparks people’s interest and makes for a convincing design.”

Flettner rotors are vertical rotating cylinders that convert crosswinds into forward thrust by means of the ‘Magnus effect’ – the force exerted by air passing a spinning object at an angle to the axis of spin.

Dutch company Ameland & Skylge Shipping is owned by the Switijnk family.