Recently, a Kamsarmax bulk carrier equipped with rotor sails completed a transaction in the secondary market, drawing industry attention.
According to multiple shipbrokers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and mainland Europe, the 82,000 DWT “TR Lady” (built in 2017), owned by Tufton, has been sold for $24 million, with the buyer reportedly possibly from Greece. Tufton has not yet responded to requests for comment.
It is understood that the “TR Lady” was fitted with three rotor sails by manufacturer Anemoi. Earlier this year, Lloyd’s Register (LR) verified its operational performance, showing that the vessel can reduce average net fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 9% annually.
However, this transaction price has sparked market discussion on whether “wind-assisted technology can command a premium.” Just last month, the sister ship of the “TR Lady”—the “Daryah Shanti” (built in 2016, not equipped with rotors but fitted with a scrubber)—was sold for $23.2 million. In comparison, some analysts pointed out that the price of the “TR Lady” did not reflect additional value.
Shipping analyst Eva Tzima stated that although the energy-saving effects of wind propulsion technology have been verified, the limited number of vessels currently installed with such systems means the secondary market lacks sufficient transaction cases to support a pricing framework. “With buyers tending to prefer traditional powered vessel types, sellers may find it difficult to achieve a premium.”
Another broker similarly believes that the transaction price of the “TR Lady” failed to generate market excitement, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty in the industry regarding the pricing of such vessels.
According to VesselsValue data, there are currently 86 vessels globally equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems, ranging from small multi-purpose cargo ships to large Capesize and VLCCs.
