Maersk to pilot first rotor sail on container ship
In the United Kingdom, Anemoi Marine Technologies announced it will install a 35-meter rotor sail on an 8,700-TEU Maersk container ship in mid-2027, marking what the company says will be the first use of the wind propulsion technology on a container vessel. The system will be piloted during regular operations expected to include North and South Atlantic voyages.
The fixed sail, 5 meters in diameter, uses the Magnus effect to generate additional thrust from the wind, reducing engine fuel consumption and emissions. Anemoi has previously installed rotor sails on bulk carriers and other vessel types.
“Wind-assisted propulsion is one of several promising maritime solutions with the potential to improve vessel efficiency and reduce emissions,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk’s head of fleet technology. Jakobsen said the project will give Maersk “practical experience” and help it assess rotor sails for its fleet and for container shipping more broadly.
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
