Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based leader in Rotor Sail design for wind-assisted ship propulsion, is set to install its innovative technology on two new chemical tankers under construction for Union Maritime Limited. The 18,500 DWT vessels, currently being built by Wuhu Shipyard Co in China, will feature a combination of advanced technologies and retrofit readiness to ensure cost-effective decarbonisation throughout their operational lifespan.
The Rotor Sails, scheduled for installation at Wuhu in early 2026, will be produced at Anemoi’s state-of-the-art facility in China. Each vessel will be equipped with two 3.5m-diameter Rotor Sails, with heights of 20.5m and 24m respectively. Notably, these Rotor Sails will be EX-rated, meeting the stringent safety requirements for vessels carrying potentially explosive substances. The integration design for both the vessels and the Rotor Sails was conducted by Odely Marine, a China-based ship design and engineering consultancy.
Union Maritime’s decision to partner with Anemoi underscores their long-standing advocacy for wind-assisted propulsion and their commitment to exploring multiple wind technologies across their fleet. Bhuvnesh Dogra, Chief Technical Officer of Union Maritime, emphasised the significance of this partnership: “Wind propulsion is central to Union Maritime’s sustainability roadmap and to our collaborative initiative, Project AeroPower, which demonstrates that commitment in action. Partnering with Anemoi reflects our ongoing drive for scalable, high-impact innovation. We believe Anemoi’s Rotor Sail technology will be a powerful enabler of our goal to build the most energy-efficient fleet on the water.”
This project aligns with Union Maritime’s strategy to surpass the 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (based on 2008 levels) required by the IMO’s 2030 indicative checkpoint. The use of wind-assisted propulsion will also help the company meet the IMO’s requirement that at least 5% of the energy used by 2030 comes from zero- or near-zero-emission sources.
Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi, expressed pride in the partnership: “We’re proud to partner with Union Maritime on these forward-looking vessels. Integrating Anemoi Rotor Sails from the outset showcases what can be achieved when innovative owners commit to wind-assisted propulsion. This project highlights the strong operational benefits of our technology and sets a new benchmark for efficient, future-ready chemical tankers.”
The collaboration between Anemoi Marine Technologies and Union Maritime Limited exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to maritime sustainability. By integrating wind-assisted propulsion technology from the design phase, these new chemical tankers will not only meet but exceed current regulatory standards, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient maritime industry.
This partnership could spark a trend in the shipping industry, where major players increasingly adopt wind-assisted propulsion technologies to meet decarbonisation goals. The success of this project could influence other shipowners to consider similar solutions, potentially accelerating the adoption of wind propulsion across various vessel types.