The next year will be defined by technology that makes wind-assist easier to install, measure and justify — and the data now coming back from ships is already strengthening the commercial case, says Clare Urmston, chief executive of UK rotor sails supplier Anemoi.
She says the company is pushing ahead with upgrades across its product line. “At Anemoi we are continuously working to optimise our products, making them even easier to install, use and maintain, making them lighter, more cost-effective and more efficient internally and aerodynamically,” she says. The company has developments under wraps for now, but Urmston stresses the key focus is on validating performance: “The data we are now getting back from the vessels we have installed on is really showing the true benefits of rotor sails.”
She adds that owners want confidence before committing to fleet-wide rollouts. That has pushed Anemoi to build out better analytics. “Developing both hardware and software tools that will provide real-time insights into fuel savings and performance will help owners and operators see the live benefits of rotor sails,” Urmston says.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of that effort. Urmston sees it playing a growing role in voyage optimisation, especially for wind-powered ships. “One of the biggest potential benefits is in voyage optimisation, where AI can deal with the uncertainty in the weather forecasting models to help the captain to make the right decisions about course and speed,” she says. Anemoi is already working with routeing specialists: “Anemoi is working with the leading voyage optimisation providers like NAPA to ensure that their systems are ready for any owners fitting Anemoi rotor sails to their ships.”
On the commercial side, Urmston believes the industry has moved past the stage where only green-minded first movers invest. “A few years ago, the first movers were mainly due to green adopters whose primary objective was, and still is, about cutting emissions,” she says. But regulation has changed the numbers. “More recently, in the last 12-18 months, we have seen more of a focus on ROI, but the ROI needs to be in the main, no more than 5 years.” With FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS and potential IMO rules tightening in 2025, she argues the economics increasingly favour wind-assist. “This can cut the original ROI in half, making the update of WAPS very attractive and indeed some of the fines can be reinvested into WAPS.”
Anemoi has been expanding its team in step with the technology shift. “We always search for the best talent and are finding now more STEM candidates who have either worked in marine or Energy Savings Technologies that are looking for their second move,” she says. Software development is a priority as the company prepares to offer shipowners real-time performance data. The company also runs a graduate programme and uses contractors “to ensure we remain relevant and understand the latest market trends.”
A busy 12 months is ahead on the product side. Urmston highlights new systems tailored to different bulker classes. “After launching our 3.5m rail system in 2025… we will be launching a folding system which is suitable for kamsarmax and panamax vessels and a fixed variant as well,” she says. Urmston stresses these designs avoid interference with port operations and low-bridge routes. The company is also preparing a new ATEX tanker variant in two sizes, supported partly by UK government funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. “We continually invest in R&D and always look for ways to enhance our products and are working on a new development in 2026.”
Urmston expects regulatory pressure, better data, and easier-to-fit hardware to accelerate adoption. For now, she says, the momentum behind wind-assist is stronger than ever — and shipowners are finally linking emission cuts with financial returns.
