The world’s first bulk carrier fitted with rotor sails has successfully completed its second intermediate dry dock survey, marking a significant milestone for the commercial viability of wind-assisted propulsion systems in global shipping.
The 64,000 dwt ultramax bulker Afros, owned by Blue Planet Shipping, underwent inspection by Lloyd’s Register at Jiangsu Watts Energy & Engineering Co in April. Surveyors confirmed that the vessel’s four rotor sails remained structurally sound after more than eight years of continuous service.
The sails were supplied by Anemoi Marine Technologies and installed aboard the vessel in 2018. Since then, the system has completed 154 voyages and approximately 200 port calls while maintaining operational availability above 95%.
According to the company, the rotor sail technology has delivered fuel savings of around 1,340 tonnes over the period, while reducing well-to-wake CO₂ emissions by approximately 4,980 tonnes.
The efficiency improvements also contributed to lowering the vessel’s IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index rating by roughly 4.2%, further supporting compliance with tightening environmental standards across the maritime sector.
Nick Contopoulos, co-founder and chief commercial officer at Anemoi, described the successful inspection as an important moment for the broader wind propulsion market.
“Independent confirmation from Lloyd’s Register after more than eight years of operation demonstrates that Anemoi Rotor Sails are not simply an innovative decarbonisation concept, they are a durable, practical and commercially deployable technology for the global fleet,” he stated.
Blue Planet Shipping also noted that the Afros has worked with 32 different charterers since the rotor sails were installed, highlighting that the technology has not negatively affected cargo operations or the vessel’s employment within the spot market.
