Wind-Assisted Propulsion Gains Ground, But Lloyd's Points to One Critical Factor

The race to cut fuel consumption has pushed wind-assisted propulsion firmly into the bulk carrier sector. But as recent installations demonstrate, success depends less on the sails themselves and more on the groundwork laid long before they arrive at the yard.

Lloyd’s Register and Anemoi Marine Technologies have overseen several high-profile retrofits across the bulker fleet, including the 64,000 dwt AFROS, the 82,000 dwt TR LADY, and the 400,000 dwt SOHAR MAX—the largest vessel yet fitted with rotor sails. Together, these projects underline a simple reality: efficiency gains of 10–15% are achievable, but only when meticulous planning is embedded into the retrofit strategy.

Laying the Foundations Early

The TR Lady illustrates the process. Well before any of the 24-metre sails were installed, the vessel underwent structural and systems modifications to become “wind ready.” Steel foundations were reinforced, air vents and walkways were rerouted, and electrical and control wiring was pre-installed. This preparation meant that when the sails arrived, they were stepped and connected in a matter of days, avoiding extended time off-hire.

This level of foresight is increasingly viewed as best practice. Without it, projects risk cost overruns, technical compromises, or delays that erase much of the commercial upside of wind technology.

More Than Just Plug-and-Play

Integrating rotor sails also triggers a cascade of regulatory and operational requirements. Stability must be reassessed—sometimes through inclining experiments—while visibility from the bridge and safe maneuvering in port require formal approval. Factory acceptance tests and sea trials close the loop, ensuring the systems perform as designed under real conditions.

Industry specialists stress that these steps cannot be rushed. For owners, that means factoring in not only the installation itself but the broader compliance framework, performance validation, and crew training that ensures long-term operability.

Momentum Building Across Ship Types

Wind retrofits are no longer niche. Suppliers such as Econowind report more than 130 confirmed orders across multiple ship types, from bulkers and tankers to Ro-Ros and boxships. Scandinavian operators like Terntank are also expanding their fleets with wind-assisted vessels, betting on lower bunker costs and emissions as regulatory pressure mounts.

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