Application Note
Marine - Rotor sails: precise and robust wind and weather sensors drive sustainable maritime solutions
Rotor Sails, WindObserver and MetConnect: driving sustainable maritime solutions
Background
The value of the commercial vessel market (which comprises container ships, passenger vessels, reefer ships, tankers, fishing vessels, tugs, bulk carriers and others) in 2022 was $145 billion with the container ships segment accounting for 25% of this market.
Maritime freight transport remains the most cost-effective method for moving large volumes of goods, supported by advancements in ship technology and the growth of e-commerce. However, challenges like stringent environmental regulations, geopolitical tensions, and port congestion can impact profitability and market growth.
Challenge
Ship owners face rising fuel costs and growing pressure to address the environmental impact of cargo vessels. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is critical to mitigating climate change. While international shipping is excluded from the Paris Agreement, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is developing strategies to cut GHGs.
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), shipping contributed nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions in 2018 and 11% of transportation-related CO₂ emissions in 2020. Between 2012 and 2018, shipping’s CO₂ emissions increased by 10%. The ICCT expects that, without stronger policies, emissions could rise by 16% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
Solutions
Rotor sails, which are suitable for most vessel types, including new build and retrofit, bulk carriers, tankers, LNG and LPG carriers, ferries and RoRos, are a cost-effective, proven solution for reducing fuel consumption and harmful emissions, aligning with International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission reduction targets. According to Anemoi, a leading provider of sustainable wind technology for the shipping industry, its rotor sails can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30%.
In line with its mission to accelerate zero-emission shipping, Anemoi recently installed five rotor sails on a Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), making it the largest vessel equipped with wind propulsion to date. To optimise performance, the vessel was fitted with two Gill WindObserver ultrasonic anemometers and a MetConnect THP weather station to monitor environmental conditions and make informed decisions regarding rotor sail usage
Wind Observer is a trusted solution for robust, high-precision wind data, designed for use particularly in marine applications and other challenging environments. Its applications include commercial marine, national navies, and international airports. It provides real-time data on wind speed, direction, while MetConnect THP provides accurate temperature, humidity and pressure readings. Both WindObserver and MetConnect are essential in this application for optimising vessel operations.
Key Features WindObserver
- High quality wind measurements up to 65m/s (234 km/h) for normal use
- Models available up to 90m/s (324 km/h) for extreme conditions
- Unheated and heated models to match application and available power
- Robust stainless steel construction for challenging environments
- Intrinsically safe models available (ATEX, IECEx & UKEX certification)
Key Features MetConnect
- High quality sensors provide reliable measurements
- Configurable to single line output for easy data collection
- Connector inputs available for additional user selected sensor
- Easy connection and minimal maintenance required
- Robust stainless steel construction for challenging environments
Recommended wind sensors for commercial vessels...
WindObserver ultrasonic anemometers have a proven record of providing reliable data in critical applications. The product has been selected for use by commercial marine businesses and national navies across the world, as well as being deployed at a range of high volume international airports.
MetConnect weather stations are designed to allow easy connection and integration of additional user selected sensors, positioned to suit the application. The concept has been selected by a wide variety of customers including national weather administrations and global multinationals.