In a significant stride towards greener shipping, researchers have demonstrated that adaptive speed control for Flettner rotor-assisted ships can substantially cut fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The study, led by Seohee Jang from the Division of Maritime System Engineering at Korea Maritime & Ocean University, compared conventional fixed speed control with a more responsive adaptive approach for a 100-meter coastal vessel.
Flettner rotors, those spinning cylinders that harness wind power to propel ships, have been gaining traction as the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize. But how to control them effectively has been an open question. Jang’s team found that by selectively activating the rotor based on wind conditions and adjusting its speed according to the direction of the Magnus force—a lift force generated by the rotor’s spin—they could achieve notable improvements.
The team developed a simulation framework using the MMG maneuvering model to evaluate path-following performance, fuel consumption, and annual performance indicators. The results were striking. Adaptive speed control achieved an 18.84% reduction in fuel consumption, translating to annual savings of 212.02 tons of fuel, USD 190,823 in operational expenses, and 679.76 tons of CO2 emissions. Moreover, selective rotor operation reduced the Fatigue Damage Index by approximately 89%, leading to an 84.48% reduction in annual maintenance costs. The adaptive approach also mitigated unwanted lateral forces and yaw disturbances, improving path-following and maneuvering stability.
“This study demonstrates that situationally aware adaptive speed control improves energy efficiency and operational characteristics of Flettner-rotor-assisted propulsion systems while maintaining maneuvering performance,” Jang said. The findings, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, provide practical guidance for wind-assisted ship operation under realistic coastal conditions.
For maritime professionals, the implications are clear. As the industry grapples with stricter decarbonization regulations, technologies like Flettner rotors and adaptive control systems offer a promising path forward. The commercial impacts are substantial, with significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reduced emissions. The opportunities are there for the taking, and the time to act is now. As Jang puts it, “The maritime sector is at a crossroads. Embracing innovative technologies like adaptive speed control for wind-assisted propulsion is not just about compliance; it’s about seizing a competitive edge in a greener, more sustainable future.”