Carrier U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation has completed the installation of four rotor sails on the Grand Pioneer, a 325,000 DWT heavy lift cargo vessel. The sails, developed by Anemoi Marine Technologies, were assembled at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard using a “plug and play” process that significantly reduced the time in drydocking .
Collapsible rotor sails improve operational performance
Each rotor sail is 35 meters high and 5 meters in diameter, and features a folding system that facilitates operation under varying conditions. The pre-assembled design allowed the installation to be completed in just one and a half days, followed by an additional five days of testing and commissioning. Anemoi specialists supervised the process and will accompany the freighter on its maiden voyage to ensure crew training and smooth operation from the start.
It is estimated that the incorporation of these sails will reduce annual fuel consumption and polluting gas emissions by 10 to 12%. This development is part of the vessel’s long-term contract with the Brazilian mining company Vale, covering the trade route between Brazil and China.
Source: Anemoi
Photo: Shutterstock
