LD Armateurs’ Spirit of Toulouse has completed the installation of six Norsepower Rotor Sails, making it the world’s largest roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel fitted with wind propulsion.
The vessel is the first of three ships commissioned to transport large aircraft components for Airbus between production sites in Europe and North America. Its six rotor sails, each measuring 35 metres high and five metres in diameter, will work alongside dual-fuel methanol engines to reduce fuel consumption.
Built by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, Spirit of Toulouse underwent the installation at a coastal outfitting site in Shanghai. The work is now complete ahead of sea trials, during which the rotor sails will undergo testing to assess their performance and integration with onboard systems.
The ship’s propulsion system includes two dual-fuel main engines and two dual-fuel generator sets. These can operate on e-methanol, bio-methanol or marine diesel oil.
The rotor sails use wind power to assist propulsion, with the technology designed to complement the vessel’s engine system rather than operate independently. Further optimisation is planned during the ship’s maiden voyage from China to France.
Jean-Baptiste Boutillier, Chief Operating Officer, LD Armateurs, said:The collaboration with Norsepower on this project has been very smooth, setting a strong benchmark for the next two vessels. The installation site was a demanding one, on the coast and with real limitations on working conditions, but through careful planning and efficient execution we safely and accurately completed installation of the impressive 35m-high, 5m-diameter Norsepower Rotor Sails. We look forward to continuing this cooperation on the two vessels that will be equipped in the future.
Spirit of Toulouse is the first of three sister vessels, alongside Spirit of Mobile and Spirit of Mirabel, operating under charter to Airbus. The remaining two ships are also due to be fitted with Norsepower Rotor Sails.
