Norsepower: an innovative solution to decarbonising shipping

Tuomas Riski, CEO of Norsepower, discusses with Global Voice of Gas how Norsepower Rotor Sails harness the power of the wind to make shipping more fuel efficient and cleaner.

JOSEPH MURPHY TUOMAS RISKI, CEO OF NORSEPOWER

Take us through Norsepower’s story since its founding in late 2012. What is its mission statement?

Like every good business, Norsepower exists to solve a problem. In Norsepower’s case, it’s how to costeffectively decarbonise shipping.

From decades of competitive sailing in my spare time, I knew how vital it is to have proven, trusted, and safe solutions to operate effectively. And, now that the maritime industry is facing its biggest environmental challenge in generations, it’s important that the technologies to drive this can deliver on their promises.

After a conversation with Norsepower’s founding team, including Professor Dr H.C Kai Levander, who raised the notion of modernising the Flettner rotor technology, I saw the potential to viably adapt this technology for the global shipping community and make a genuine impact.

We have a clear vision: mission is to use our technology to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. And right now, we’re delivering on this vision to save fuel – and the planet - with ambitions to achieve this one fleet at a time. We’re also passionate about proving our word with hard evidence to give ship and cargo owners confidence in their choices. Since our physical installations began in 2014 we have amassed a bank of performance data which we are proud to say have been verified by respected bodies such as ABB, NAPA, and Chalmers University.

How did Norsepower develop its clean Rotor Sail Solution technology and how does it work?

The Flettner rotor was first devised in the 1920s. Its capabilities were showcased in 1926 when a vessel used only Flettner rotors to cross the Atlantic.

Our Norsepower Rotor SailTM has given this concept a modern spin – literally. In fact, the Magnus effect – the same principle curve on the football during motion –underpins the product. For instance, when wind meets the spinning installation, the air flow accelerates on one side of the Norsepower Rotor Sail and decelerates on the opposite side.

When wind conditions are favourable, the captain can throttle back main engines, and the rotor sail can pick up the slack, saving fuel and reducing emissions while providing the power needed to maintain speed and voyage time. A variable electric drive system, powered by the ship’s low-voltage network, rotates this.

So, the Norsepower Rotor Sails are modernised versions of the Flettner Rotor with several patented special features which ensure their durability, safety, and maintenance costs. Add to this a comprehensive aftersales support package underpinned by the hardworking team spread globally and the effective use of data and insights, and you have a solution that meets the commercial and environmental needs of modern shipping.

Let’s talk in numbers how Norsepower’s technology can reduce emissions from the shipping industry and generate other benefits?

Norsepower Rotor Sails provide a reliable, easyto-operate auxiliary wind propulsion system with a proven savings record. We have saved 5,500+ T of fuel, resulting in 17,400+ T of CO2 reduction, with these figures receiving confirmation from third parties, including ABB, NAPA, and VTT.

Furthermore, Norsepower Rotor Sails can typically produce 5-20% average fuel savings. Under the right weather conditions, one customer has reported savings of up to 70%. These aren’t just carbon savings – it’s important to note that it can drastically reduce harmful emissions such as SOx, NOx, and particulate matter from ships. This is achieved as the solution directly replaces the main propulsion power from fossil fuels. Beyond the fantastic emissions reduction potential, the system is highly automated to minimise the crew’s additional workload and maximise efficiency. Meanwhile, a clear and important benefit is that leading classification societies, including LR, confirm that it is robust, durable and safe to use onboard a vessel.

What about its applications for LNG shipping (LNGfuelled ships, LNG bunkering ships, LNG carriers)?

The Norsepower Rotor Sail product is suitable for most LNG-fuelled vessel types ranging from tankers, bulkers, cruise vessels, RoRos, RoPax vessels, general cargo vessels, and ferries with over 30,000 vessels on the water today that can benefit from the technology. The genius of our product is that the only requirements for Norsepower Rotor Sail installation are deck space for the installation of the foundation, and electrical power connection to the ship’s electrical grid, and therefore, as long as we have a willing customer, we can make this work.

In fact, we would argue that we are an immediate solution for some of LNG shipping’s challenges. For example, LNG carriers pose unique challenges as many use their cargo as a fuel source while cargo shrinks as it travels due to inevitable boil-off, making it vital to travel quicker. By retrofitting LNG carriers with Norsepower Rotor Sails, we can enable LNG carriers to travel faster while maintaining fuel consumption at the current rate, with the product reducing fuel consumption depending on the route and conditions.

Meanwhile, Norsepower is working with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. to deliver single Rotor Sails onboard two newbuild LNG-powered, windassisted CO2 carriers commissioned by the Northern Lights JV. Following calculations, Norsepower estimates the Norsepower Rotor Sails will reduce the fuel and CO emissions from each vessel by approximately 5%. The Norsepower Rotor Sails will be delivered in 2023, and following further building, both the 130m long ships, each with a cargo size of 7,500m delivered in 2024.

What are some key case studies to demonstrate the value of Norsepower’s technology?

Norsepower stands out among our competitors because we have over 100,000 hours, demonstrating our product’s ability to reduce emissions by 20-25% or even more as opposed to being still on the drawing board in some instances.

One particular example is the RoRo SC Connector, Sea-Cargo, where we retrofitted two of Norsepower’s largest 35m tall Rotor Sails. The Norsepower Rotor Sails onboard SC Connector are the world’s first tilting Rotor Sails enabling vessels to pass under bridges.

As a result of our successful installation, the SC Connector saved 13.5 tons of fuel within a week, with an overall fuel saving of 20-25%. In fact, due to the great weather conditions on the route, the vessel can enjoy emissions reductions of up to 70%. But don’t just take our word for it as the captain of the vessel declares regarding the Norsepower Rotor Sail: “I have absolutely no doubt that this technology is working.”

Building Visibility Of Gas And Gas Focused Technology As A Permanent And Growing Part Of The Global Energy Mix

Natural gas can continue to play its significant economic and environmental role in the global energy mix for decades to come, offering clean, secure, and affordable energy for global citizens.The extent to which the industry demonstrates and effectively communicates the key role of gas in a sustainable energy future, against the backdrop of a groundswell of anxiety about climate change, environmental, economic security, and political risks will determine theextent of its continuing success.

Gas Pathways is being developed with a view to becoming the authoritative, credible, and fact-based national and international communications platform amplifying the innovation agenda around gas energy –and gas energy infrastructure; demonstrating that the natural gas sector is focused about making affordable energy available to all, and about maximizing resiliency in energy delivery.

A Publication of the International Gas Union (IGU) in collaboration with Minoils Media Ltd.

IGU Editorial Team

Strategic Communications and Membership Director