THINKING GREEN
With the concept design of the vessel complete, the next stage of the project will consist of testing at Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN)
wind assisted propulsion systems,” explains C-Job Business
Testing
Manager Jelle Grijpstra. “And then, together with Finnish
The subject of the main engines of the FF8500 has yet to be
Rotor Sail supplier Norsepower, we concluded that two larg-
decided upon. “Switijnk has a well-defined vision of sus-
er Rotor Sails were most effective for this project. This was
tainable shipping and we are glad to sit down and share our
because these would yield a comparable propulsive force
knowledge with them. We have an extensive track record
to four smaller units. Also, with two Rotor Sails, one on the
of integrating mission equipment, and we have looked at all
bow and one on the stern, there would be no chance of wind
the options available to help them achieve their ambitions.
shadows affecting performance.”
We have reserved space for LNG engines; although this will be dependent on LNG bunkering infrastructure along their
The Rotor Sails were chosen for this project because they are
sailing routes.” Due to the dependence on trade winds, a 100
easy to use, safe, reasonably quiet, with no need for extra
per cent sailing vessel without an engine is not economically
crew, and cheaper in investment compared to other sys-
feasible within the commercial cargo transport sector.
tems. In addition, the effectiveness of Rotor Sails has been successfully proven. MARITIME HOLL AND | NO. 1 | 2018
‘THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ROTOR SAILS HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PROVEN’
With the concept design of the vessel complete, the next stage of the project will consist of testing at Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN). The intention of this velocity prediction research is to validate the design and to quantify the fuel savings to be gained. “Once investors are convinced and the financing is arranged, then Switijnk can continue with the process of selecting a shipyard to build the vessel,” Grijpstra adds.
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