China Delivers Largest Wind Rotor Propulsion System for Global Use
SHANGHAI, CHINA – September 10, 2024 – ChinaShipbuilding Group, a leading shipbuilding conglomerate, has delivered five sets of 35-meter foldable ship-mounted rotor sails to Anemoi Marine Technologies. Thesesails will be installed on the Sohar Max, the world’s largest ore carrier, creating the largest wind rotor propulsion system globally.
The rotorsails, developed by China Shipbuilding Group’s subsidiary, CSSC Chengxi, are designed to harness wind energy and generate auxiliary thrust for vessels. Each sail consists of a rotating lightweight outer cylinder, a supporting inner tower, a base,a drive and transmission system, and a control system.
This delivery marks the second batch of foldable rotor sails produced by CSSC Chengxi for Anemoi. The company has optimized its production design, resulting in a 30% reductionin the overall weight of the steel structure components compared to previous models.
The newly delivered rotor sails boast advanced hydraulic folding and automatic adjustment systems. With a 5-meter outer cylinder diameter, a 9-meter top disc diameter, and a total height of 38 meters (equivalent to a 12-story building), the sails weigh 135 tons. They can reach a maximum design speed of 200 revolutions per minute and tilt up to 89 degrees, approaching a horizontal position. This design minimizes the impact on airflow and cargo loading and unloading operations.
Compared to the rotor sails previously installedon the 325,000-ton Guaibamax vessel, the wind rotor propulsion system delivered this time boasts twice the wind-catching area. Anemoi estimates that the Sohar Max will achieve a 6% annual energy saving after installing the rotor sails, equivalent to a reduction of3,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
CSSC Chengxi has built a total of 21 sets of ship-mounted rotor sails to date. Several optimized and improved new rotor sails are currently undergoing installation and debugging.
CSSC Chengxi Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Ltd. is a subsidiaryof China Shipbuilding Group Co., Ltd. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the listed company China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. The company currently employs over 10,000 people, including nearly 1,200 professional technicians. Its core business is divided into four segments: defense industry, shipbuilding andmarine industry, application industry, and shipbuilding and marine services.
The successful delivery of this innovative wind rotor propulsion system marks a significant milestone in China’s efforts to promote sustainable shipping and reduce carbon emissions. It also showcases the country’s growing expertise in developing advanced technologies for the maritime industry.
Key takeaways:
- China Shipbuilding Group has delivered the world’s largest wind rotor propulsion system, consisting of five sets of 35-meter foldable rotor sails.
- The sails will be installed on the Sohar Max, the world’s largest ore carrier.
- The system is expected to achieve a6% annual energy saving and reduce carbon emissions by 3,000 tons.
- This delivery marks the second batch of foldable rotor sails produced by CSSC Chengxi for Anemoi.
- CSSC Chengxi has optimized its production design, resulting in a 30% reduction in the overall weightof the steel structure components.
- The new rotor sails boast advanced hydraulic folding and automatic adjustment systems.
- China’s growing expertise in developing advanced technologies for the maritime industry is evident in this achievement.
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