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 (London, U.K.), a company developing carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) maritime rotor sails, has won funding under the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC). The £1.2 million project will include the development of a next-generation folding sail system tailored to Kamsarmax and Panamax cargo bulk carriers, as well as aerodynamic design enhancements that will significantly increase fuel savings.

The U.K. CMDC has so far directed £136 million in government funding to engineering innovators developing cutting-edge maritime decarbonization solutions, with the aim of driving growth for coastal communities and cementing the U.K. as a clean energy leader. The CMDC funding gives Anemoi the opportunity to further strengthen its technology leadership in the rapidly growing wind-assisted propulsion sector.

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“While our rotor sails are already efficient and high-performing, ongoing innovation is essential to unlock further efficiency gains, adapt to evolving vessel designs and meet increasingly ambitious environmental targets,” says Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi. “This investment underscores Anemoi’s potential to support the U.K. in sustainable shipping as the maritime industry works to cut emissions.”

Under the 7-month project, Anemoi will design, build and test a prototype of a novel folding system for its 3.5-meter rotor sail. The result will reportedly be an “industry first” for rotor sails of this size, as folding systems have previously only been used on larger 5-meter sails. By enabling sails to be lowered during port operations, the design has the potential to significantly reduce operational obstacles to the uptake of wind-assisted propulsion. Operational seamlessness is a core element of Anemoi’s offering, as the company also offers a rail deployment system, which allows the rotor sails to move along the deck of the ship.

In addition to folding system development, the project will cover additional design optimizations, which are expected to improve the aerodynamic performance of wind-assisted vessels, delivering increased fuel savings and emissions reductions compared to Anemoi’s current state-of-the-art rotor sails.

The test rig will be manufactured by U.K. company Pressure Design Hydraulics Engineers, with aerodynamic enhancements developed in partnership with Cape Horn Engineering, supported by Stehr Consulting. Victoria Steamship, a U.K.-based shipbroker, will contribute insights based on its fleet of nine vessels operating globally in the bulk carrier segment, a primary market for folding rotor sails. U.K. innovation accelerator Connected Places Catapult will conduct market research and a port and vessel integration study.