Installation of Rotor Sails on TR Lady, an 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier, was completed in Chengxi Shipyard, China, in June 2023. TR Lady is owned by TR Lady, a portfolio company of Tufton Investment Management and is on a time charter with Cargill.

The vessel was retrofitted with three 5×24m Rotor Sails by leading wind-propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies. The technology was installed on Anemoi’s unique and patented transverse rail deployment system. 

This system enables the sails, which are fixed to the center line during voyages, to be moved port or starboard when berthed for cargo operations, meaning loading and unloading can continue without being obstructed. Class approvals have been awarded by Lloyd’s Register.

Rotor Sails, also known as Flettner Rotors, are vertical cylinders which, when driven to rotate, harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust. These highly efficient mechanical sails capitalize on the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Magnus Effect and will deliver significant fuel and emission savings to TR Lady.

The vessel has now completed its first voyage with the Rotor Sails from China to Australia. During this voyage, Anemoi engineers sailed with the vessel for sea acceptance testing and trials, with positive initial performance results which suggest that TR Lady can see average annual fuel and emissions savings exceeding the original expectations. The performance of the Rotor Sails will continue to be monitored over the coming months.

Of the installation, Andrew Hampson, CEO of Tufton, said: “We and our investors are committed to shipping’s decarbonization journey and believe wind propulsion is a key enabler in helping Tufton reach its 2050 net-zero goals. We are very proud to have been able to support this innovative application of decarbonization technology on TR Lady.”

Photo credit: Anemoi Marine Technologies. TR Lady with Anemoi Rotor Sails leaving Chengxi Shipyard, China, in June.