Ferry operator Scandlines has signed an agreement with Norsepower to install the auxiliary wind propulsion system Rotor Sail Solution on board the hybrid passenger ferry ‘Copenhagen’.
Operating between Rostock in Germany and Gedser in Denmark, ‘Copenhagen’ combines diesel and battery power. With the addition of Norsepower’s technology, the ferry will further reduce its emissions, the company claimed.
Preparations for the retrofit will take place in November, 2019 with the installation scheduled for 2Q20. ‘Copenhagen’ is due to be retrofitted with one large-sized Norsepower Rotor Sail unit of 30 m in height and 5 m in diameter.
The Norsepower Rotor Sail Solution is a modernised version of the Flettner rotor – a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to thrust a ship. It is the first data-verified and commercially operational auxiliary wind propulsion technology for the global maritime industry.
When wind conditions are favourable, it enables the electric propulsion thrusters and centre propel to be throttled back, reducing emissions – while providing the power needed to maintain speed and voyage time. Because it generates supplementary thrust from wind, the solution is compatible with all other emissions saving technologies.
The route between Gedser to the north and Rostock to the south is almost perpendicular to the prevailing wind from the west, giving Scandlines favourable conditions for using Rotor Sails on the ferry crossing.
“By installing a Rotor Sail, we can reduce CO2 emissions on the Rostock/Gedser route by four to five per cent,” Søren Poulsgaard Jensen, Scandlines CEO, claimed.
Commenting on the contract, Tuomas Riski, Norsepower CEO said: “We are proud to be partnering with Scandlines as we work towards a modern era of auxiliary wind propulsion for the global maritime fleet, while supporting shipping’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
Since 2013, Scandlines has invested more than €300 mill in building and retrofitting ferries from conventional diesel-driven to hybrid ferries. With more than 43,000 departures on eight ferries, Scandlines transported 7.4 mill passengers, 1.8 mill cars and more than 700,000 freight units and 36,000 buses on the routes Puttgarden/Rødby and Rostock/Gedser in 2018.
