Berge Bulk’s Berge Neblina, a 388,000 dwt Valemax Ore Carrier, is currently completing its voyage to Brazil following the successful installation of four 5x35m Rotor Sails from Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd (“Anemoi”).

The installation, which was completed quayside, took place at Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) Ltd in China. The selected Rotor Sails have been installed on Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, whereby the sails can be folded from the vertical to mitigate impact on air draught and cargo handling operations when in port.

Rotor Sails, also referred to as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are comprised of vertical cylinders which, when driven to rotate, harness the renewable power of the wind to propel ships. These highly efficient mechanical sails capitalise on the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Magnus Effect to provide additional thrust to vessels. By leveraging wind energy, Berge Neblina will see increased efficiency by reducing the load on the main engine while maintaining speed, therefore substantially reducing fuel consumption and resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions.

The technology is being increasingly embraced by ship owners, especially in the bulk sector, who are aiming to achieve net-zero shipping emissions. Rotor Sails have emerged as a preferred technology to augment and enhance the energy performance of vessels. Rotor Sails are a compact technology, which offer a large thrust force to propel ships, helping them comply with pivotal international emission reduction benchmarks such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and EEDI/EEXI.