The report draws on experiences from three retrofit installations on different bulk carriers: a geared Ultramax, a Kamsarmax, and a very large ore carrier (VLOC). The paper highlights the structural and electrical integration challenges, regulatory compliance, and practical issues encountered during these installations.
The report emphasises the importance of early consideration of regulatory compliance, detailing the examination process by recognised organisations and the impact on ship stability and safety of navigation. It also discusses the Magnus effect, which generates lift and thrust through rotating cylinders, and the potential fuel savings verified through full-scale trials.
The document aims to provide a reference for sail integration and regulatory compliance practices, advocating for the concept of "wind-readiness" to streamline future installations. The report concludes that rotor sails are a mature technology with significant potential for fuel savings and environmental compliance, suggesting that standardised rig configurations could ease the integration burden and support wider adoption in the bulk carrier fleet.
