NAPA, a maritime software and data services expert, has agreed with IINO Lines, a leading ship owner and operator based in Tokyo, Japan, to provide NAPA Voyage Optimization onboard two vessels equipped with Norsepower Rotor Sails™ (NPRS™). This synergy will help harness the power of weather routing to maximize the fuel savings delivered by wind propulsion systems and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement will cover two IINO Lines vessels, one Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) and one Panamax coal carrier. Beginning in Q2 this year, the ships will use NAPA Voyage Optimization as an in-depth simulation, evaluation, and operational route and speed optimization tool to maximize the efficiency gains and emissions savings that will be achieved by NPRS. The tool is designed to enhance operational efficiency and minimize the emissions of the vessels by allowing for comprehensive comparisons of their performance across various routes and under different sea and weather conditions.

Initial studies demonstrate that both vessels will achieve about 3-4% fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reductions, respectively, using NPRS alone. The collaboration with NAPA aims to harness the potential of voyage optimization to inform operational decision-making and additionally improve emission reductions by 3-10% from the combination of advanced routing solutions and wind propulsion systems.

This approach is aligned with IINO Lines’ commitment to a greener maritime industry for carbon neutrality as part of its mid-term management plan, “The Adventure to Our Sustainable Future,” announced in May 2023. By mapping out tangible savings and using the power of digital technologies to optimize routes, ship owners and operators can maximize their return on investment and redirect capital towards further decarbonization initiatives as well as design and operational innovation.

Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC)

Commenting on what this means for the industry, Pekka Pakkanen, Executive Vice President for Shipping Solutions at NAPA, said: “Decarbonization continues to open new avenues for collaboration across shipping. I’m proud of NAPA’s role in helping IINO Lines use optimization tools to tap into the full potential of wind propulsion. This partnership is key in advancing IINO Lines’ green ambition and giving more owners and operators the confidence to invest in accelerating shipping’s energy transition.

“There are significant savings to be achieved by combining voyage optimization and wind propulsion. Using data allows us to unleash this potential, elevate collaboration and drive more efficient, greener and safer shipping.”

Ryuichi Osonoe, Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer at IINO Lines, added: “NAPA’s data insights and expertise have been invaluable in helping us map out our decarbonization strategy and maximize return on investment. Being able to simulate how our vessels will perform, how much fuel they will require, their emissions and so much more, even before a voyage has been made, are vital insights at a time of increasing market volatility and tightening regulations.”