Anemoi Marine Technologies, the UK-based leader in wind-assisted ship propulsion, has secured a contract to install Rotor Sails on two newbuild chemical tankers for Union Maritime Limited. The vessels, currently under construction in China, represent a significant step forward in the use of wind-assisted technologies to support cost-effective decarbonisation and compliance with international emissions regulations.
Wind-Assisted Propulsion Supporting IMO Decarbonisation Goals
The 18,500 DWT chemical tankers are being built by Wuhu Shipyard Co in China and will be fitted with Anemoi’s Rotor Sail technology in early 2026. Each vessel will feature two EX-rated Rotor Sails with a diameter of 3.5 metres and heights of 20.5 metres and 24 metres, ensuring safe operation while transporting potentially explosive cargoes. The Rotor Sails are designed to harness wind energy to generate additional thrust, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
This installation supports Union Maritime’s ambition to exceed the IMO’s 2030 indicative checkpoint, which calls for at least a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2008 levels. In addition, the use of wind-assisted propulsion helps meet the IMO requirement that at least 5% of a vessel’s energy consumption by 2030 comes from zero- or near-zero-emission sources.
Integrated Design and Long-Term Fleet Efficiency
The vessels are being built with a combination of advanced technologies and retrofit readiness to ensure long-term efficiency across their operational lifecycle. Rotor Sail foundation arrangements were adapted by Anemoi to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance. Vessel and system integration design was carried out by Odely Marine, a China-based ship design and engineering consultancy.
Union Maritime selected Anemoi’s technology after a comprehensive review of available wind propulsion solutions, reflecting its confidence in Rotor Sails as a scalable and high-impact decarbonisation solution. The installation aligns with Union Maritime’s broader sustainability roadmap and its collaborative Project AeroPower initiative, which focuses on building one of the most energy-efficient fleets in the global shipping industry.
The collaboration between Anemoi Marine Technologies and Union Maritime demonstrates how wind-assisted propulsion can be effectively integrated into newbuild vessels to deliver immediate and long-term environmental benefits. By adopting Rotor Sail technology from the outset, these chemical tankers set a new benchmark for energy efficiency, safety, and future-ready design highlighting wind propulsion as a central pillar in the shipping industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future.
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Source: ANEMOI
