Full wind ahead: Norsepower clinches order to install its rotor sails on cargo carrier duo

Finland’s wind propulsion systems provider Norsepower and Norway-headquartered shipowner Berge Rederi have penned a deal to fit a duo of environmentally friendly general cargo carriers with two Norsepower rotor sails.

The vessels are set to be equipped with two 24mx4m fixed rotor sails that were described as “specially optimized” for harsh conditions like snow, ice, rain, and high winds often encountered along the Northern Sea routes, which have become increasingly important in shipping.

As disclosed, the newbuildings were designed by Norwegian company Marine Design and Consulting AS (MDC) and are being constructed by China’s Jiangsu SOHO Marine Heavy Industry. They are scheduled for delivery with the rotor sails installed, with the first one projected to launch by the end of 2025.

In addition to the rotor sails, the 130-meter-long ships will reportedly feature battery packs and shaft generators, which are anticipated to enable short-distance hybrid-electric operation.

The integration of these solutions, according to Norsepower, could result in ‘considerable’ environmental and operational benefits, including saving on fuel consumption and cutting down on harmful emissions.

To deliver these results, Norsepower representatives shared that the company collaborated closely with Berge Rederi and MDC to integrate its emission-reducing solutions into the vessels’ design. The performance is said to have been optimized through ‘thorough’ hydrodynamic and structural studies.

“Our product has been in use at tough sea conditions for more than a decade now, which enables us to create these kinds of partnerships with innovative, market-leading companies. By working with Berge Rederi and MDC from the design phase, we’ve ensured that these vessels will set a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in their class,” said Marcus Sannholm, Head of Sales at Norsepower.

“We’re excited to partner with Norsepower and MDC on this project. The combination of hybrid propulsion and Norsepower Rotor Sails aligns perfectly with our mission to minimize our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of operational efficiency,” Magne Berge, owner of Berge Rederi, added.

Norsepower’s rotor sails have gained traction in the maritime industry in recent times. It is worth noting that the explosion-proof version of the 28mx4m rotor sails received the Norwegian classification society DNV’s stamp of approval in September 2024.

In November of that same year, Borealis-chartered dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC) Oceanus Aurora was equipped with two custom-designed rotor sails. That same month, Oldendorff Chinook—a 100,400 dwt Post Panamax bulk carrier—was equipped with three rotor sails, representing the first phase of the collaboration between the Finnish player and Germany’s Oldendorff Carriers as the two endeavor to ‘advance’ wind propulsion in shipping.