The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will see the latter's rotor sail solution included in the former's integrated power and propulsion systems offering.
Kongsberg Maritime (KM) will add wind propulsion to its portfolio of strategies to facilitate greener operations, including controllable pitch propeller solutions, which according to the company, "[...] can easily manage the variable power delivered by Rotor Sail systems."
"Under the MoU, shipowners and shipyards will be able to choose between fully integrated systems, or solutions incorporating stand-alone products," the parties also said.
"This co-operation with Norsepower is an additional step towards KM's ambition to become the leading integrator of green shipping technology, such as auxiliary wind power, alternative fuels/energy sources and energy-saving devices," Oskar Levander, SVP Business Concepts, KM, said.
He furthered, "There is an increasing demand for the use of modern wind propulsion in shipping, and we are excited to work with Norsepower to deliver this. Together we will offer support to shipowners and shipyards looking for the most efficient and effective ways of applying Rotor Sail technology, and collaborate on new ship designs to integrate these technologies and improve energy efficiency overall."
"The shipping industry is under intensifying pressure to decarbonise. As the industry combines clean technology solutions to accelerate progress towards reaching net zero, it is important that the optimal design points are considered on installation for all systems. This partnership will help fast-track optimising operations for shipowners and yards developing complete solutions," Tuomas Riski, CEO, Norsepower, also commented.
He added, "We are very pleased to be collaborating with Kongsberg Maritime, as we can accelerate more access to the benefits of the Rotor Sail in supporting shipping's decarbonisation pathway and further improve performance of the Rotor Sails, alone and alongside other energy transition technologies. Current savings of between 5-25% could be further improved with KM's advanced automation systems, efficient propulsion and other novel design solutions."
"This MoU is a great way to strengthen KM's capability to consult customers when planning their future fleet additions and reflects our innovative approach to providing integrated solutions and upgrades to enable operators to achieve optimum environmental and economic performance. Norsepower Rotor Sails are a great fit with our strategy as they are a proven and economical solution. We look forward to working with Norsepower and making a difference," Levander concluded.
Norsepower has completed six installations to date, including the latest mounting of five tilting rotor sails on a bulker.
Photo: Norsepower