NAPA and Norsepower Collaboration Elevates Rotor Sail Efficiency with Advanced Performance Analysis

NAPA’s journey with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) began back in 2015, when we teamed up with Norsepower for our first evaluation project. Since then, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of wind propulsion technology, constantly innovating and refining our solutions. With over 35 years of experience in delivering ship design and performance optimization solutions, NAPA remains a leader in helping the maritime industry harness the full potential of wind-assisted vessels.

In 2022, NAPA, Norsepower, and Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd. (SHI-ME) have joined forces to advance the maritime industry with a shared commitment to optimize rotor sails to perform at peak efficiency under varying sea and weather conditions. Through this partnership, NAPA’s NAPA’s Voyage Optimization and ship performance optimization tools are integrated with Norsepower Rotor Sails™ technology, providing a comprehensive solution that supports shipowners in their sustainability journeys.

Enhanced Performance of Rotor Sails through Advanced Analyses of Lateral Forces and Ship Movement

But we didn’t stop there! Recent phase 2 results of the partnership have achieved significant improvements in the operational performance of vessels equipped with Norsepower Rotor Sails™ by incorporating data for a wider range of vessel responses and weather conditions. This involved conducting advanced analyses of lateral forces and ship movement, which are critical for optimising ship design and enhancing performance under dynamic conditions such as wind, waves, and currents.

The project’s success highlights the potential of digital wind propulsion to accelerate decarbonisation in the maritime sector, ensuring both regulatory compliance and enhanced operational performance.

From left to right: Ville Paakkari (Head of R&D, Norsepower) and Pekka Pakkanen (Executive Vice President, NAPA)

Advancing Wind Power Efficiency With Data-Driven Weather Routing

By analyzing weather patterns and optimizing routes in real-time, NAPA ensures that vessels can harness wind power more effectively, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This precise optimization, enabled by NAPA’s high modeling accuracy and weather routing, delivers substantial cost savings while minimizing environmental impact. Leveraging NAPA’s 35 years of experience in 3D hull form design, big data, and hydrodynamic calculations, we provide ship operators with unmatched insights to enhance the efficiency of wind-assisted vessels.

Looking Ahead: Boosting Rotor Sail Performance Through Enhanced Performance Accuracy

Collaboration with one of the leading wind propulsion technology providers, such as Norsepower, enables NAPA to deliver solutions tailored specifically for rotor sails, maximizing their efficiency through advanced weather routing and performance analytics. The NAPA’s ability to model the complex interactions between wind, sails, and hull performance is a critical advantage.

Looking ahead to the next phase of the collaboration, the plan is to analyze real-world data from ships equipped with Norsepower Rotor Sails™ and compare it against the simulation results. This will provide more precise insights into performance modelling accuracy and further strengthen NAPA’s leadership as the premier provider of weather routing solutions for wind-assisted vessels.