Theoretical application analysis of a wind assisted propulsion system (WAPS) "rotor sails" on the bulk carrier

Abstract

IMO's tightening rules for the reduction of shipping-related GHG emissions have led the industry stakeholders to develop several operational, technical and market-based measures. Among these measures, technical measures require investment in a specific product and technology. In addition to the use of alternative fuels, energy saving technologies such as improved hull and hull designs, improved propeller designs, friction-reducing hull paint systems, the application of aerodynamic ship superstructure elements and the application of wind-assisted propulsion systems can be listed among these. Energy saving technologies are coming to the forefront while IMO's efforts to reduce tank-to-wake emissions are in various ways being met by the industry. Wind, a renewable energy source, is used by Rotor Sails systems developed as a Wind Assisted Propulsion System. The system is used and still being tested on some ships and literature reviews showed mixed saving outcomes which causes the shipowner to be skeptical about the investment on such systems. In this research, it is sought to measure the comparative investment evaluation of the Rotor Sail system from the economic point of view of the shipowner by using the actual data of a certain ship. After the simulation parameters of the unit proposed by a reputable rotor sail manufacturer were determined and theoretically applied, the results obtained were taken into account with the financial variables specific to the dry cargo market in order to evaluate the investment feasibility and the answers that the shipowner can understand in a simple way were revealed. One of the most distinctive features of the study from similar studies is that the static and dynamic data of a real ship are used and simulated by the manufacturer on these data. In addition, the potential effect of the results of the theoretical application on the daily earnings of the ship has also been qualitatively evaluated. This research was considered as a case study that a theoretical Rotor Sail system was simulated using real data of the voyages of the M/V Bettys Dream within the calendar year of 2022 and a comparison of a conventional vessel with the Rotor Sail-fitted vessel in the market. Simulation results proved investment feasibility and private interviews showed increasing interest for the vessels installed with energy saving technologies in the market. Since it is found an effective method for all stakeholders, an increase in the number of installed vessels is anticipated in the coming years as the current financial and operational difficulties are overcome.