In a major development for sustainable maritime innovation, Norsepower, the global leader in wind propulsion systems for commercial shipping, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Equipment (Nantong) Co., Ltd. (CHIC). The agreement is set to significantly enhance the production, installation, and regional deployment of Norsepower Rotor Sails™, marking a key step forward in the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry.
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Partnership to Scale Rotor Sail Adoption in Asia and Beyond
This new collaboration aims to accelerate the serial production and service of Norsepower’s wind propulsion technology by leveraging CHIC’s extensive expertise in shipbuilding, offshore equipment, and maritime engineering. It builds upon Norsepower’s existing industrial base in China, particularly the Rotor Sail™ Factory in Dafeng — the world’s first dedicated rotor sail production facility.
Together with Norsepower’s exclusive manufacturing hub in Poland, this expanded footprint will enable the company to meet rising global demand for wind-assisted propulsion technologies amid tightening IMO emissions regulations and increasing pressure to decarbonize the shipping industry.
Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower, stated “This agreement marks a significant step forward in expanding access to wind propulsion solutions in China. By combining Norsepower’s technology leadership with CHIC’s shipbuilding expertise, we are creating a strong foundation for advancing sustainable shipping. We will achieve breakthroughs in both product supply efficiency and application expansion.”
Boosting Innovation and Energy Efficiency in Shipping
The collaboration will drive innovation across the full lifecycle of Norsepower’s Rotor Sails™ — from design and production to sales, installation, and service. By aligning their resources, CHIC and Norsepower aim to provide shipping companies with cost-effective, practical solutions that reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Zhang Jianxin, Deputy General Manager of CHIC, added “We are excited to partner with Norsepower to advance wind propulsion technology. This cooperation will enhance innovation across product design, manufacturing, and business development, ensuring we deliver high-quality, energy-efficient solutions for the shipping industry.”
Addressing Decarbonisation and Regulatory Challenges
The maritime industry is under growing pressure to meet carbon intensity reduction targets, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) calling for a net-zero GHG emissions goal by 2050. Technologies such as rotor sails — which harness wind power to reduce engine load and fuel use — are gaining significant traction as viable pathways to compliance.
Norsepower Rotor Sails™ are modernised versions of the Flettner rotor concept, capable of generating forward thrust using the Magnus effect. Their installation can result in fuel savings of 5% to 25%, depending on vessel type, route, and wind conditions.
A Shared Vision for a Low-Carbon Future
By bringing together Norsepower’s cutting-edge wind propulsion systems with CHIC’s shipbuilding and infrastructure capabilities, this partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies in global shipping.
The agreement reinforces both companies’ strategic focus on supporting the energy transition in maritime transport, aligning with the broader industry shift toward environmentally responsible operations.
About Norsepower
Norsepower specializes in wind propulsion technology for the global commercial shipping fleet, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport. Their Rotor Sails™ harness wind energy to provide efficient, reliable, and user-friendly auxiliary propulsion systems. By incorporating wind energy, Norsepower supports the decarbonization of the maritime industry.
Source Norsepower