The Rotor Sail technology has been tested by Viking Line since 2018.
The innovative Rotor Sail technology developed by the Finnish company Norsepower has been tested by Viking Line for three years. A Rotor Sail produces thrust based on a phenomena called the Magnus-effect, and reduces the propeller power requirement. M/S Viking Grace was the first passenger vessel fitted with a Rotor Sail. The test period of the Rotor Sail completed in April. Viking Line wants to trial new environmentally friendly solutions on their ships also in the future. For example, the new M/S Viking Glory has been built to be ready for installation of Rotor Sails.
“Rotor Sail technology is a promising and ambitious step towards more environmentally-friendly shipping. It is important to develop such solutions, and we definitely want to be involved in seeking ways to improve the environmental sustainability of shipping in the Baltic Sea. Flettner rotor technology is very Interesting, and our cooperation with Norsepower has been valuable, states Viking Line’s Senior VP Corporate Communications Johanna Boijer-Svahnström.
Norsepower’s Rotor Sail solution is the first third-party verified and fully commercial mechanical sail. The fully automated control system senses when wind conditions are favourable and operates the Rotor Sails with no action required by the crew. In addition to Viking Grace, Norsepower’s Rotor Sails have been installed on four ships, including Scandlines ferry M/V Copenhagen operating between Germany and Denmark and tanker Maersk Pelican. The next Rotor Sail installation project is starting soon.
“The independently validated test results from Viking Grace have led to numerous new Rotor Sail deliveries, and our business today is growing fast. Rotor Sails optimised for new build ships can provide in excess of 20% fuel savings. Norsepower’s Rotor Sail technology is available now, enabling an immediate and significant reduction of shipping’s emissions, says Tuomas Riski, CEO of Norsepower.
More detailed description of the Viking Grace project can be found here.
Detailed summary of the independently validated Rotor Sail test results from Viking Grace can be found here.
