- Anemoi Marine Technologies has received £1.2 million in UK government funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) to develop folding rotor sail technology.
- The seven-month project includes the design, construction, and testing of a prototype 3.5-meter folding rotor sail system, the first of its kind for smaller vessels.
- The initiative also includes aerodynamic enhancements, a new rail-based deployment system, and collaborative input from key UK industry partners.
UK-based wind propulsion pioneer Anemoi Marine Technologies has been awarded £1.2 million (approximately $1.59 million) in funding under the sixth round of the UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC). The funding will support the development of a next-generation folding sail system tailored for Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers, two key segments in commercial shipping. This initiative aims to advance wind-assisted propulsion through enhanced fuel efficiency and emissions reductions, according to Offshore Energy.
World-First Prototype for 3.5-Meter Folding Rotor Sails
The project, scheduled to run for seven months, will focus on the design, construction, and testing of a novel 3.5-meter folding rotor sail system. This marks a major technological milestone, as previous folding mechanisms have only been implemented on larger 5-meter sails. The innovation is intended to support smaller vessels by enabling more flexible integration of wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
Rail-Based Deployment for Operational Flexibility
To complement the folding sail system, Anemoi will also introduce a new rail deployment solution that allows the rotor sails to move along the ship’s deck and be lowered during port operations. This added mobility is expected to greatly reduce port-related limitations and increase adoption by offering improved compatibility with current port infrastructure.
Collaborative Engineering and Industry Support
The rotor sail rig will be manufactured by Pressure Design Hydraulics Engineers, based in the UK. Aerodynamic refinements will be developed in partnership with Cape Horn Engineering, with additional project support from Stehr Consulting. Industry insights will be provided by Victoria Steamship, a British shipbroker whose bulk carrier fleet will offer practical data and operational context. Market analysis and integration studies will be conducted by Connected Places Catapult, a UK innovation accelerator.
CMDC’s Broader Role in Maritime Decarbonization
The Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition has so far delivered £136 million in funding to support cutting-edge maritime decarbonization solutions. The program is designed to promote clean energy innovation while fostering economic growth in coastal communities and strengthening the UK’s role as a global leader in sustainable maritime technology. The sixth round, launched in January, allocated £30 million to various projects, including GT Wings’ AirWing, the world’s first commercially available jet sail. Through initiatives like these, the CMDC continues to accelerate the clean transformation of the shipping industry.
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Source: Offshore Energy
