Recently, Wuhu Shipyard successfully delivered its first 18,500 DWT IMO II-type energy-saving and environmentally friendly chemical tanker, custom-built for British shipowner Union Maritime Limited.
The vessel integrates methanol pre-installation design and a rotor sail system, deeply embodying the concept of green shipbuilding and serving as a benchmark for the industry’s low-carbon transformation.
The vessel is 149.8 meters long, 22.8 meters wide, and 12.7 meters deep, with a full-load draft of 8.5 meters. It incorporates a methanol-prepared design, providing ample space for future conversion to methanol clean fuel and facilitating a long-term low-carbon development strategy.
The vessel is equipped with one set of NorsePower Rotor Sail System at both the bow and on the deck. Based on the Magnus effect, the system uses an electric motor to actively rotate the cylindrical rotor.Airflow passing both sides of the rotor creates a pressure difference, which is converted into highly efficient and stable auxiliary thrust, providing green propulsion power for the ship’s navigation.
The vessel is equipped with a low-speed two-stroke diesel engine, paired with a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) and a pre-propeller energy-saving duct, significantly improving propulsion efficiency and maneuverability, ensuring agile navigation even in narrow waters.
Furthermore, the vessel utilizes a variable frequency shaft-driven generator set, eliminating the need to start the generator set during normal navigation to meet the ship’s power needs, further reducing fuel consumption and equipment maintenance costs.
During the vessel’s construction, Wuhu Shipyard partnered with Norsepower, a global leader in wind-assisted propulsion technology, to equip the vessel with two advanced rotor sail systems. Verified, this system can achieve energy savings of 5%–25%, reducing fuel consumption by up to approximately 10%. While effectively lowering operating costs, it significantly reduces carbon emissions, providing a reliable guarantee for the vessel’s green and low-carbon navigation.
This vessel perfectly integrates green power, wind-assisted technology, and superior sailing performance. It is an important beacon for Wuhu Shipyard in its green shipping strategy and in promoting the low-carbon transformation of the industry.