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NJORD EXPLORES AIR LUBRICATION SYSTEMS
Njord’s mission? To assist shipowners and charterers in transitioning to greener technologies.
Join us at Njord's pivotal event as we delve into the transformative world of Air Lubrication Systems (ALS) in the maritime industry.
Our Live event, brings together foremost experts in marine technology to discuss how shipowners and charterers can effectively integrate ALS within their fleets. This integration enhances financial performance while significantly reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Njord's commitment to sustainable maritime advancements.
Our esteemed panel included Frode Lundsteen Hansen from KCHS Hansen, Alfa Laval Aalborg's Regional Business Development Manager; Alex Routledge, CEO of Armada Technologies Limited; Craig Patrick CEng., VP of Sales at Silverstream Technologies; Herman Thuss from Damen Business Development; and Njord's own Technical Director, Steen Sander Jacobsen.
These industry experts share insights on the practical application of ALS, demonstrating how these solutions, with over 65 installations and 200-plus orders, are effectively implemented in new builds or as retrofits without impacting dry docking schedules.
The discussion highlights the importance of vessel-specific analysis to optimize ALS usage, revealing impressive returns on investment and operational benefits for crew members.
Panelists also address the combination of ALS with other technologies, emphasizing the necessity for shipowners and charteres to go the extra mile for substantial savings and environmental benefits.
Watch the recording to gain a thorough understanding of these innovative solutions, backed by third-party verified data and real-world operational results.
Discover how a tailored approach to each vessel yields significant fuel savings, fostering a more sustainable and profitable future in maritime operations.
Bound4blue: Cristina mentions that they have installed units on three ships and have ongoing projects in other segments. The units vary in height with some up to 36 meters. They collaborate with prominent companies such as Louis Dreyfus Company and Marubeni Corporation. Cristina discusses an installation on the MS Traveller, a general cargo ship, where they anticipate 10-15% fuel savings. Actual results showed speed increases and fuel consumption reductions on particular routes. Overall, they expect a payback period of less than five years.
Bar Tech: Lauren says they've recently launched their first wind wings. They have two vessels operational, with one having two wind wings and the other four. Initial results on fuel savings are being obtained.
Norsepower: Jukka informs that Norsepower was established in 2014. They've installed units on several ships with more upcoming installations due to increasing demand. Fuel savings typically range between 5 to 25%, depending on wind conditions and ship configurations. In optimal conditions, savings can go up to 70%.
Maersk Tankers: Steen reflects on a project where they used Norsepower's rotor sails. They aimed for a 10% yearly saving but achieved 8.2%. The test was considered successful, especially for future efficiency calculations based on wind averages.
The discussion delves into how wind propulsion systems can be integrated with other energy-saving technologies and the process of determining the most advantageous routes to harness the maximum benefits from wind propulsion.
Steen provided insight into addressing energy constraints on ships. Before diving into propulsion, they first look at the overall power consumption on ships. They employ optimization techniques such as the use of LED lights and variable frequency drives to reduce the energy demands on board. This proactive approach to energy optimization clears the path for the integration of innovative technologies like Norsepower's rotor sails. If there's a desire to integrate more rotors than the available power permits, they consider retrofitting with power take-off systems. While this addition complicates the business perspective, rising fuel costs and the push towards greener fuels make the approach financially justifiable. To determine the best possible mix of technologies, they undergo a combined and detailed investigation.
Lauren from Bar Technologies stressed the importance of route optimization for wind propulsion. She mentioned that while traditional transatlantic routes offer consistent and favorable wind conditions, the savings can vary significantly based on the specific route taken. On average, one can expect a fuel-saving of 1.5 tons per wing per day. However, on particularly favorable routes, this number can jump to 8-9 tons per day per wing. For this reason, a case-by-case analysis of each route is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Echoing Lauren's sentiments, Cristina highlighted that while routes like the North Atlantic and North Pacific are particularly suitable for wind propulsion, others such as the Mediterranean might not offer as much return on investment. Thus, it becomes crucial for ship owners to evaluate each potential route individually.
Steen added more depth to the topic of route optimization. He explained that by collaborating with suppliers and employing simulation tools, it becomes possible to accurately forecast the potential benefits of wind propulsion for specific routes. Having a robust theoretical basis, as demonstrated in the Maersk Pelican case, greatly simplifies the business decision-making process.
Lastly, Jukka touched upon the significance of voyage optimization. He shared that Norsepower has formed a strategic partnership with a company named Napa, focusing on voyage optimization. This collaboration aims to work with any route optimization entity to extract the maximum benefits from wind propulsion. With proper planning, fuel-saving performance can see improvements ranging from 20% to a staggering 100%. While the optimized route suggested might not always be the shortest, it's designed to make the most of the sails' performance, which in turn offers invaluable assistance to captains during navigation decisions.
