World’s First Dedicated Rotor Sail Factory Opened In China To Meet Increasing Demand

Rotor Sails — Image Credits: Norsepower/Linkedin

Norsepower has made history by opening the world’s first dedicated rotor sail factory in Dafeng, China. The new facility is designed to produce 50 rotor sails annually, with plans to double that output to 100 by 2027.

Located near major shipping routes and shipyards, the factory is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, expressed his excitement about the project, saying that it is the pioneer of the entire industry. The company has opened the rotor sail market.

The company upgraded the Flettner rotor concept into a future-proof, data-driven product. The Flettner rotor is a rotating cylindrical sail used for vessel propulsion and stabilisation.

It is named after a German engineer and inventor, Anton Flettner, who developed the sails in the early 1900s. The rotor sail uses a phenomenon of fluid dynamics known as the Magnus effect to propel the ship.

The newly launched factory represents a unique partnership between Chinese and Finnish engineering. Many Finnish companies have already expanded their operations in China, including Nokia, Rovio, Wärtsilä.

The factory has a diverse team of expert scientists, motivated industry professionals, and skilled engineers to support the company’s sustainable shipping mission.

The state-of-the-art facility boosts Norsepower’s production capacity and solidifies its leadership in the growing €60 billion wind propulsion market.

Norsepower’s rotor sails are among the most advanced and widely used, and they are known for their reliability and strong performance record.

At the opening ceremony, Anu Vuori, Finland’s Consul General in Shanghai, discussed the importance of the Finnish-Chinese partnership. She said the facility comprises the best Chinese engineering and Finnish innovation, adding that together, they can tackle global challenges and bring high-tech solutions that benefit both the countries’ economies and protect the environment.

The new factory sets Norsepower apart from competitors and strengthens its ability to meet the global demand for sustainable shipping technology. The company aims to deliver high-quality rotor sails that help ships reduce fuel use and emissions.

Jing Tang, Vice Mayot of Yancheng City, welcomed Norsepower’s investment. He says the factory not only generates new jobs but also strengthens their industrial sector.

In a recent development, Norsepower installed its rotor sails on a very large gas carrier, Oceanus Aurora. The vessel is operated by IINO Kaiun Kaisha and chartered by Borealis.

The company estimates these rotor sails will reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 4%.

Reference: Norsepower

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