Anemoi wins $1.59M for 'next-generation' folding sail system

UK-based wind-assisted propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies has clinched £1.2 million (roughly $1.59 million) worth of funding under the sixth round of the country’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).

As disclosed, the winning project is set to encompass the creation of a ‘next-generation’ folding sail system intended for Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers. The initiative will reportedly also cover aerodynamic design enhancements aimed at ‘boosting’ fuel savings and slashing emissions further.

More specifically, according to officials from Anemoi, under the project, which will last for seven months, the company will design, construct and trial a prototype of a novel folding system for its 3.5-meter rotor sails. This is described as a “world’s first” milestone for this type of technology, as folding systems have previously only been used on larger 5-meter sails.

In addition to this, a new rail deployment solution is to be made to allow the rotor sails to move along the deck of the ship. Per Anemoi, by allowing the sails to be lowered during port operations, the design is anticipated to ‘tremendously’ minimize operational