WATCH: Rotor Sails prove durability

The survey, conducted by Lloyd’s Register at Jiangsu Watts Energy & Engineering Co on 13 April, confirmed that M/V Afros’s four Rotor Sails remain structurally sound and free from operational issues.

Installed in January 2018 on board the 64,000 DWT Ultramax bulk carrier owned by Blue Planet Shipping, the system has provided long-term evidence that wind-assisted propulsion systems can deliver sustained fuel savings and emissions reductions while maintaining high operational availability.

“The successful completion of Afros’s second intermediate survey is a landmark moment not only for Anemoi, but for the wider wind propulsion sector,” said Nick Contopoulos, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Anemoi.

“Independent confirmation from Lloyd’s Register after more than eight years of operation demonstrates that Anemoi Rotor Sails are not simply an innovative decarbonisation concept, they are a durable, practical and commercially deployable technology for the global fleet.”

According to Anemoi, the Rotor Sails have delivered fuel savings of 1,340 tonnes and reduced well-to-wake CO₂ emissions by 4,980 tonnes across 154 voyages. Operational availability has remained above 95%, while the vessel has completed around 200 port calls without disruption to commercial trading.

The efficiency gains also reduced Afros’s IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index rating by approximately 4.2%, helping extend compliance with international emissions requirements.

Blue Planet Shipping managing director, Nikos Apodiakos said the vessel had traded with 32 different charterers since installation, proving Rotor Sails posed no barriers to spot market operations.

“One of the key issues with any maturing technology is its long-term durability and reliability in real-world conditions,” added John Prosilias, Lloyd’s Register lead client relationship manager. “We are very satisfied to report no issues during our recent survey.”