Singapore-based dry bulk owner Berge Bulk announces that it had signed agreements with Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd – a global leader in wind-assisted propulsion for commercial vessels – to supply and fit two vessels in their dry bulk fleet with Anemoi Rotor Sails.

The first vessel, Berge Neblina, a 388k DWT Valemax ore carrier built in 2012, was made ‘wind-ready’ earlier this year. The structural integration required prior to installing the technology was carried out during a scheduled dry dock. Four of Anemoi’s large folding deployment Rotor Sails will be installed to improve vessel performance. Folding Rotor Sails can be lowered from the vertical to mitigate the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations.

This flexible “wind-ready” approach has been taken to align with vessel availability and Anemoi’s production slots. The same approach has been taken with the second vessel, Berge Mulhacen, a 2017-built 210k DWT Newcastlemax bulk carrier, which will also receive four folding Rotor Sails. Plan approval has been obtained for both ships from DNV.

Berge Bulk leads the dry bulk industry with efficient ship design and operations. It is committed to developing and deploying commercially viable deep-sea zero-emission vessels by 2030.

Rotor Sails are large mechanical sails that harness the renewable power of the wind to reduce emissions and fuel consumption on commercial ships when driven to spin.  Anemoi predicts that the four-rotor system will save Berge Bulk 1,200-1,500 metric tons of fuel per vessel each year.