- A leading wind propulsion company has signed a deal to deliver six rotor sails for newly commissioned tankers from a European shipping group.
- The vessels, constructed in China and designed in Germany, will feature EX-compliant rotor sails tailored for vessels transporting flammable cargoes.
- This partnership represents a major milestone in integrating wind propulsion technology from the design stage of new vessels, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2028.
On May 28, 2025, a major wind propulsion firm announced an agreement to supply six of its rotor sails to a series of tankers being built for a prominent European shipping group. The agreement covers two ship types: four 3,850 DWT chemical tankers and two 7,900 DWT chemical tankers. Each vessel will be equipped with one rotor sail, sized either 20×4 meters or 28×4 meters, depending on the ship design.
Design and Construction
The vessels are being constructed at a well-established shipyard in China and were designed by a German naval architecture firm, which incorporated wind propulsion from the initial design phase to ensure optimal integration.
Safety and Compliance
The rotor sails included in the deal feature an EX-compliant design, certified for use on vessels carrying flammable substances and fully aligned with international class and safety standards. The sails will be manufactured at a dedicated facility in China and delivered fully assembled and tested.
Strategic Importance and Industry Shift
This agreement marks the first collaboration among the propulsion firm, the shipping group, and the shipyard, expanding the technology provider’s footprint in Asia and reflecting a broader industry shift toward fleet-wide adoption of wind propulsion systems.
Digital Integration and Emission Tracking
The shipping group will also gain access to the supplier’s digital ecosystem, including an AI-powered control system and a secure cloud-based platform. These tools support real-time optimisation, predictive maintenance, and transparent emissions tracking.
Sustainability and Financial Support
The project has received backing from a German government fund supporting sustainable coastal shipping and the integration of green technology.
Delivery Timeline
The first vessels are scheduled for delivery in early 2026, with rotor sails to be installed shortly after hull completion.
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Source: Norsepower Rotor Sails
