In Finland, Norsepower announced they have signed an agreement with Japan’s Idemitsu Tanker to equip two Very Large Crude Carriers with mechanical rotor sails, marking the first time the technology will be built into vessels of this class. The ships will be constructed by Japan Marine United and Nihon Shipyard, with the first delivery scheduled for late 2028.
Each VLCC will carry two 35-meter explosion-proof Norsepower rotor sails, designed to harness the Magnus effect for wind-assisted propulsion. Supported by digital control systems that optimize performance in real time, the system can reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 5 to 25 percent depending on conditions.
The ships are also being prepared for future low-carbon fuels such as methanol. Idemitsu described the project as “a decisive step towards the decarbonisation of long-haul shipping,” aligning fuel savings with long-term emissions goals.
“This is a defining moment for Norsepower and for wind propulsion in global shipping,” said Norsepower CEO Heikki Pöntynen. “Partnering with Idemitsu Tanker Co., Ltd. and JMU on the first VLCCs with rotor sails and doing so as our first newbuild project in Japan is a tremendous step forward.”
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Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
