Two advanced general cargo ships for tough conditions
Norsepower, supplier of wind propulsion systems, and Norwegian shipping company Berge Rederi have signed an agreement to equip two modern cargo vessels with Norsepower Rotor Sails™.
The newbuild vessels, designed by Marine Design and Consulting AS (MDC) and built by Jiangsu SOHO Marine Heavy Industry Co, Ltd, will be delivered with the rotor sails installed. The first vessel is expected to be launched in late 2025.
In addition to the Norsepower Rotor sails, the 130-metre vessels will be equipped with battery packs and shaft generators, enabling hybrid-electric sailing over short distances. Each vessel will be equipped with two fixed 24m x 4m Norsepower Rotor Sails, specially optimised for harsh conditions such as snow, ice, rain and strong winds that are common on the Northern Sea Routes.
Optimise
Compared to similar vessels operating on the same trade route, significant fuel savings and emission reductions are expected. Berge Rederi is committed to safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime transport.
Norsepower has worked closely with Berge Rederi and Norwegian ship designer MDC to integrate Rotor Sails into the ships’ design. Through extensive hydrodynamic and structural studies, the teams optimised the vessels’ performance and ensured that the Norsepower Rotor Sails would deliver maximum savings and reliability.
“This project was designed for the extreme conditions of the North Sea and we are proud that Berge Rederi chose Norsepower as its partner,” says Marcus Sannholm, Head of Sales at Norsepower. By working with Berge Rederi and MDC from the design phase, Norsepower hopes that these vessels can positively push the boundaries of sustainability and efficiency in their class.
Rough sea
Berge Rederi, based on the island of Hitra in Norway, operates a distinctive fleet of self-unloading bulk carriers ranging from 3,700 to 13,000 DWT.
The vessels will sail along the Norwegian coast, taking advantage of optimal wind conditions in the North Sea, where Norsepower Rotor Sails have already proven themselves. The sails’ robust design with the latest high-tech materials will ensure reliable operation in the rough sea conditions typical of the region, making them even more suitable for this trade route.
Source: Norsepower’s website.
Headline photo: Norsepower
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