UK shipowner Tufton Investment Management (TIM) is to install a sliding rotor sail system on a kamsarmax to cut emissions.
British manufacturer Anemoi Marine Technologies will fit the kit on the 82,000-dwt bulker TR Lady (built 2017).
Three large rotor sails will be used on deck, with a rail deployment system meaning they can be moved to avoid disruption to unloading and loading in ports.
The vertical cylinders rotate to harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust.
"These highly efficient mechanical sails capitalise on the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Magnus effect and will deliver significant fuel and emission savings to TR Lady," the companies said.
The TR Lady will be retrofitted during a scheduled drydocking in China, with completion likely to be in the middle of 2022.
Classification society approvals will be awarded by Lloyd's Register.
'Landmark deal'
"This landmark commercial agreement demonstrates Tufton’s confidence in our technology and proves their industry leadership and commitment to a decarbonised shipping industry," said Anemoi chief executive Kim Diederichsen.
"I am delighted to be working with a company that shares our environmental values and I look forward to a successful installation."
Anemoi claims significant recent interest in and demand for its sails.
"Our industry continues to place environmental stewardship at the top of its agenda," he added.
"Tufton are definitely leading the way and we are pleased to be able to support them on that journey."
Tufton aiming for 50% cut in emissions
Andrew Hampson, CEO of TIM, said his company is committed to achieving the IMO’s ambition of at least a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared to 2008 levels.
"The commercial agreement with Anemoi is representative of Tufton’s capability to carefully select from a variety of environmentally friendly technologies in order to achieve commercial as well as environmental targets," he said.
Diederichsen told a Capital Link webinar in April that demand for rotor sails for ships will soon exceed supply, but the company has come up with a stopgap solution.
Anemoi is offering clients the opportunity to be "wind-ready", which means docking a ship now to do preparatory work.
Then, when the rotor kit becomes available, it can be fitted quickly and easily.
"Everything besides the physical installation of the rotors can be done now," Diederichsen added.
"Right now there is a production limitation of rotor sails."
