Maersk to Install World's First Rotor Sail on Boxship with Anemoi

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday September 2, 2026

Wind propulsion is gaining ground in shipping, but has largely been limited to segments including bulkers, with A.P Moller-Maersk now set to bring the technology to container shipping for the first time.

Maersk has selected UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies to supply a rotor sail for an 8,700 TEU container ship, Anemoi said in an emailed update on Wednesday.

The five m diameter, 35 m high fixed rotor sail is due to be installed in mid-2027 and tested on the vessel’s regular North and South Atlantic voyages.

The technology uses aerodynamic lift from a rotating cylinder to generate additional thrust from wind, helping cut fuel consumption and emissions when conditions are suitable.

Anemoi has already installed rotor sails on vessels including bulk carriers and will provide engineering and installation support for the Maersk project.

“Wind-assisted propulsion is one of several promising maritime solutions with the potential to improve vessel efficiency and reduce emissions,” Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, Maersk, said.

“It has already been tested in other parts of the shipping sector, and we see this pilot with Anemoi as a valuable opportunity to build practical experience and assess its relevance for our fleet and for container shipping more broadly.”

Ship & Bunker News Team
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