On November 9, the delivery and launch ceremony for the “Yuedian 83” rotor sail project was held at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), marking the successful installation of China’s first fully domestically developed mobile large rotor sail on a cargo ship.
The “Yuedian 83”, measuring 229 meters in length, is now equipped with two mobile rotor sails. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The “Yuedian 83”, which measures 229 meters in length, is now equipped with two mobile rotor sails. These devices utilize the Magnus effect generated by rotating cylinders to convert wind energy into propulsive force, thus improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Each rotor sail consists of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic cylinder and a steel tower, weighing 110 tons and standing 25 meters high with a 5-meter diameter. Operating at speeds of up to 180 revolutions per minute, each sail can generate thrust of up to 300 kN. The system is equipped with a movable base, enabling the sails to shift smoothly and lock precisely on deck, ensuring full compatibility with bulk cargo loading and unloading operations without affecting port efficiency.
Unlike conventional sails, rotor sails are not constrained by wind direction and can function effectively under various wind conditions. The system’s integrated intelligent control center automatically adjusts sail operations based on real-time wind speed and direction to optimize performance, significantly reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The two rotor sails will bring transformative energy savings to the “Yuedian 83”, which by one estimate would cut fuel use by 5 to 8 percent depending on the route, save about 2 tons of fuel per day, and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 1,600 tons.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
