Odfjell launches new wind-assisted tanker

Norwegian marine transport firm Odfjell has expanded its fleet with a vessel equipped with a wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS).

IMAGE: Odfjell's tanker Bow Tanaka. Odfjell

The 40,000 dwt tanker, Bow Tanaka, is equipped with foldable wind-assisted propulsion sails, Odfjell said. It was built at the Kitanihon shipyard in Japan.

The sails are expected to “significantly reduce” fuel consumption and emissions, Odfjell claimed.

“Results from the sister vessel Bow Erikson show an energy-efficiency improvement of up to 50% compared with the average tanker in the segment,” the marine transport firm said.

Interest in WAPS, like foldable propulsion sails, continue to grow as shipowners look to improve efficiency and cut emissions.

These systems actively harness wind power to generate forward thrust, reducing fuel dependency.

In June, German shipping company Reederei Bernd Sibum retrofitted its newbuild general cargo vessel MV Baltic Timber with Dutch wind power firm Econowind’s suction wings.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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