Anemoi Installs Folding Rotor Sails on Berge Meru
UK-based wind-assisted propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of four folding rotor sails on a second vessel owned by Singapore-based shipping company Berge Bulk.
The rotor sails, each measuring 5 meters wide and 35 meters tall, were installed on the 208,000 DWT Newcastlemax vessel Berge Meru at Yiu Lian Dockyards in China in December 2025. Following the installation, the vessel completed its first voyage to Singapore.
This project follows the earlier installation of four 5×35-meter Anemoi rotor sails on Berge Neblina, a Berge Bulk Valemax vessel, completed in June 2024.
Berge Meru Demonstrates Practical Wind Propulsion
Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies, commented on the milestone:
“We are proud to complete our second project with Berge Bulk, bringing large-scale folding Rotor Sails to another vessel. Berge Meru demonstrates how wind propulsion can be integrated into commercial bulk carriers in a practical and operationally flexible way. We value Berge Bulk’s continued confidence in our technology.”
How Anemoi’s Rotor Sails Work
According to Anemoi, the rotor sails are designed to harness wind power to provide auxiliary propulsion, helping to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions during voyages.
The system is engineered for operational flexibility:
- The sails can be lowered when required to meet port operations and air-draught restrictions.
- In extreme weather, the rotor sails do not need to be lowered, as they automatically stop generating thrust when switched off.
Clean Maritime Funding for Next-Generation Sails
Last summer, Anemoi secured £1.2 million in funding through the sixth round of the UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).
The funding supports the development of a next-generation folding sail system intended for Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers. The initiative will also include aerodynamic design enhancements aimed at improving fuel savings and further reducing emissions.
