Maersk tanker completes rotor sail propulsion tests

The Maersk Tankers LR2 product tanker Maersk Pelican has successfully completed a year-long series of trials of a new rotor sail propulsion system developed by Finland’s Norsepower.

The tanker has been fitted with two large, cylindrical mechanical sails that spin to create a pressure differential, the Magnus Effect, that propels the vessel forward. The sails deliver auxiliary wind propulsion to the vessel.

The 30-metre rotor sails were installed onboard Maersk Pelican in August 2018. The tests were carried out from September 1, 2018 to September 1, 2019.

Norsepower claims that, during the trials, the aggregated total fuel saved was at 8.2 per cent, which in turn meant a reduction of 1,400 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

Norsepower adds that the savings were confirmed by comparing detailed performance information to a baseline established with full scale measurements and computational analysis done for the vessel prior the rotor sail installation. Independent experts from Lloyd’s Register’s (LR’s) Ship Performance Group analysed and validated the performance data during the project to ensure an impartial assessment.