Recently, Zhoushan Xinya Ship Repair & Building Co., Ltd. successfully completed the energy-saving rotor sail installation project on the vessel “NSU TUBARAO” and saw it set sail smoothly.
This project is the first energy-saving rotor sail installation project undertaken by Xinya Ship Repair, marking a significant breakthrough for the company in the field of green ship modification technology and laying a solid foundation for subsequent expansion into the high-end energy-saving modification market.
The “NSU TUBARAO” has an overall length of 361 meters and a beam of 65 meters. It is an ore-carrying bulk carrier belonging to the Japanese company NS UNITED. The five Anemoi folding rotor sails installed this time are devices that utilize the Magnus effect generated by rotating cylinders to convert wind energy into propulsive force for the ship, thereby achieving energy savings.
Compared to traditional sailing ships, rotor sails are not limited by wind direction and can operate in crosswinds and oblique winds.
Simultaneously, the integrated intelligent central control system equipped within the rotor sail system can automatically adjust the sail’s operating status based on wind speed and direction to obtain optimal kinetic energy, effectively reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
It is understood that this rotor sail comprises structures such as a fiberglass cylinder, a steel tower cylinder, and a base. It features an advanced hydraulic folding and automatic adjustment system. The overall height is approximately 38 meters, the outer cylinder diameter is 5 meters, the top disc diameter is 9 meters, the total weight reaches 124 tons, and the maximum design rotation speed is 170 RPM.
Hydraulic cylinders are configured under its base, allowing the cylinder structure to be tilted via the extension of the cylinders. The tilt angle can reach 87°, nearly horizontal.
During the project initiation phase, the technical team engaged in in-depth exchanges with experts from Anemoi, thoroughly grasped the equipment’s technical characteristics, and formulated a detailed construction plan.
For key technical aspects involved in the rotor sail installation, such as deck structure modification and base reinforcement, the team utilized 3D simulation technology for construction rehearsal, ensuring the safety and reliability of the plan.
Furthermore, during the hoisting process, the team also employed 3D simulation to ensure the precise positioning of large components under complex working conditions.
During the project implementation, the project team established a daily progress coordination meeting system to promptly resolve various issues encountered during operations.
During the cable laying phase, technicians optimized the wiring scheme based on the characteristics of the rotor sail control system, adopting a layered, segmented, synchronous, and parallel construction method, which significantly improved construction efficiency while ensuring quality.
To ensure installation accuracy, the project team used a total station to repeatedly verify the installation position of each base, ensuring the installation axis accuracy of the five rotor sails was controlled within the quality standard tolerance range.
During the system debugging phase, technicians worked closely with Anemoi experts to successively complete key procedures such as control system joint debugging and safety protection testing, ensuring all system performance indicators fully met the design requirements.
Through the successful implementation of this project, Xinya Ship Repair has not only accumulated valuable experience in rotor sail installation but has also further strengthened the technical team’s skill level and professional competence in green modifications.
Simultaneously, the smooth completion of this project has not only enhanced Xinya Ship Repair’s competitiveness in the green ship modification market but has also set another exemplary model for the transformation and upgrading of the ship repair industry.
In the future, Xinya Ship Repair will continue to dedicate itself to deepening green energy-saving technology modifications, contributing more strength to promoting the sustainable development of the shipping industry.
