Which Sail Assist Technology is Best — Airbus Trying Both Flettner Rotors & Suction Sails

Of the various wind assist technologies available for commercial shipping, which is the most cost-efficient? It is likely, too soon to tell. AIrbus is reported to be trying two different approaches — retrofitting one existing ship with suction sails and … Continue reading

Flettner Fleet Doubles in Size — M/V Estraden Adds A Rotor

We have followed the E-Ship 1 for the last four years. The ship is a Ro/Lo cargo ship owned by the world’s third-largest wind turbine manufacturer, Germany’s Enercon GmbH and is distinctive because it is fitted with four Flettner rotors. The … Continue reading

E Ship 1 – Has the Flettner Rotor Ship Finally Arrived?

The E Ship 1 arrived in Dublin last week with a cargo of wind turbines manufactured by Enercon.    What was striking was the ship itself, with four tall pillars rising vertically from the ship, two forward and two aft.   The … Continue reading