Maersk plans to install a large rotor sail on an 8,700-TEU containership to test wind-assisted propulsion in liner service.
UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies will design and manufacture the 35-metre-high, 5-metre-diameter rotor. The system is scheduled for installation in mid-2027 on a vessel from Maersk’s Lima class.
The rotor will be tested during normal commercial operations, mainly on North and South Atlantic routes. The trial will collect data on fuel consumption, emissions and the practical use of wind propulsion on containerships.
Rotor sails use the Magnus effect to generate additional thrust from wind. When conditions are favourable, this reduces the power required from the main engine. Fuel savings will depend on the vessel, route and weather conditions.
The project will be Anemoi’s first rotor sail installation on a containership. The company normally installs three to five rotors on large commercial vessels, while the Maersk ship will initially use a single unit.
Rotor sails have already been deployed on bulk carriers and are being developed for tankers, LNG carriers and other vessel types. Maersk has also previously tested the technology through its tanker business.
The trial will show whether wind-assisted propulsion can deliver practical efficiency gains on containerships. Such vessels present additional challenges because of limited deck space, cargo operations and fixed schedules.
