Technology company Wärtsilä and wind propulsion systems provider Norsepower have signed a service cooperation agreement enabling Norsepower to order service work from Wärtsilä and for Wärtsilä to pursue and sell Norsepower Rotor Sail projects with support from Norsepower.

Under the collaboration, Norsepower will be able to work at scale and further strengthen its customer service offering in cooperation with Wärtsilä’s global service network. The main target sectors include tankers, passenger ferries and cruise ships, as well as dry cargo vessels.

“The industry is transforming and we intend to be at the forefront of this change. We are really enthusiastic about this cooperation with Norsepower, which is a great example of our commitment to enabling sustainable societies with smart technology. We are now embarking on an exciting journey together, supporting and promoting sustainable technologies for a cleaner future,” said Stefan Wiik, vice president, asset management services at Wärtsilä.

“There is a rapid rise in demand for modern wind propulsion in shipping, Norsepower Rotor Sails. We are, therefore, delighted by this partnership agreement, and the ability it gives us to support our customers no matter where they are sailing and operating our technology. It also comes at a time when the global shipping industry is looking for proven and economical solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, and our Rotor Sail continues to be the most attractive, credible choice in wind-assisted propulsion,” stated Norsepower’s CSO, Jukka Kuuskoski.

The agreement was signed in Q3 2019.

According to Norsepower, since its Rotor Sails were launched in 2014, three vessels have installed the system, resulting in a reduction of their CO2 output by an estimated 5,000 tons. A fourth installation is planned for 2020.

Source: VPO