Anemoi Marine Technologies  and Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering  have developed new wind-assisted propulsion  integration solutions for Ultramax bulk carriers as the vessel segment prepares for rapid fleet growth. Two configurations designed to streamline installation and enhance fuel-saving potential of Rotor Sails on the 60-65,000 DWT vessels have been awarded an approval in principle  from Japanese classification society ClassNK.

The configurations fit a range common operational requirements for Ultramax vessels. Both use the latest-generation Rotor Sail from Anemoi, with a sail size of 3.5m diameter and 24.5m in height, which is an increased area compared to Anemoi’s pilot installation on an Ultramax in 2018, designed for greater fuel savings. While one arrangement features one Rotor Sail, placed on the forecastle deck, the other uses a longitudinal rail system to deploy three sails on the upper deck.

Anemoi CCO, Nick Contopoulos, said: “Ultramax vessels have been early adopters of WAPS technology, going back to Anemoi’s installation on the world’s first bulk carrier with Rotor Sails in 2018, the M/V Afros, and the AiP represents an opportunity to apply all those lessons to optimise installations for maximum efficiency on our generation 3 products.”

Working with COSCO-owned shipbuilder, NACKS, the project enables Anemoi to strengthen its collaboration and reach within Chinese yards. According to DNV, China now accounts for more than 25% of the bulk carrier newbuilds compared to 5% just a decade ago,1 with NACKS and the wider COSCO group contributing significant volumes.

The AiP confirms the feasibility of the integration concept designs under ClassNK’s guidelines for wind-assisted propulsion systems. Factors considered under the approval include sail particulars and arrangement, foundation and supporting structures, initial trim and stability calculations, fire and safety arrangements and energy efficiency calculations under IMO’s Energy Efficient Design Index (EEDI) framework.