J-POWER completes first bulk carrier Rotor Sail retrofit

The installation on board the Yodohime was carried out in December last year with the first voyage completed this month. This is the first installation that J-POWER has completed on a bulk carrier and was first mooted in summer 2023.

The 24m by 4m Rotor Sail was installed on the forecastle deck of the vessel. It uses the latest AI technology to automatically control the rotation, direction and speed of the sail using real-time information such as wind direction and wind speed which is detected by sensors.

The Magnus effect generated when wind meets the rotating cylindrical sail produces a powerful thrust which, in combination with the voyage optimisation system, is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by approximately 6-10%.

This is the second vessel for IINO LINES to be equipped with Norsepower Rotor Sails, following the installation onboard the very large gas carrier Oceanus Aurora last November.

The installation aligns with the company’s decarbonisation initiatives set out in its mid-term management plan ‘The Adventure to Our Sustainable Future’.