The Oceanus Aurora, a very large gas carrier (VLGC) owned by IINO Lines, and chartered by Borealis, was retrofitted in November in Rotterdam with two cylindrical sails from Norsepower.

According to BreakBulk News, the Rotor Sails are designed to reduce emissions and fuel costs; in this case, Norsepower estimates the reduction will be 4% annually, aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) emissions reduction goals, particularly the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which pushes the industry toward cleaner operations.

The Norsepower Rotor Sails are modern Flettner rotors, using a small amount of electricity to spin cylindrical sails and harness the Magnus effect — an aerodynamic principle that generates thrust from wind. Norsepower says to think of it as turbo-charging a ship with the power of the wind. Measuring 20 meters (66 feet) tall and 4 meters wide, the rotors are custom-designed to fit the Aurora’s specific air draught requirements without compromising performance.

Operating between Houston, Texas, and ports in Sweden and Finland, the Oceanus Aurora is a dual-fuel LPG carrier. Borealis is a provider of advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions.

“Investing in sustainable vessels is paramount to our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Seiichi Fujimura, director and executive officer of shipowner IINO Lines. “Partnering with Norsepower and Borealis allows us to integrate promising technologies into our operations, bolstering our efforts towards decarbonization.”