Wind-assist technology has rapidly gained popularity and variety over the past few years as ship owners seek ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The new K-Sail service helps owners navigate the complexities of adopting wind-assist technology by focusing on integration and collaborating with various technology partners.
“Ship owners can choose their preferred type of wind assist technology. There are several available and they all have their own attributes. However, to date, these technologies, whether incorporated in a new build, or retrofitted, are essentially an add-on technology. We believe they can be used in a much more effective way,” says Henrik Alpo Sjöblom, Kongsberg Maritime Vice President Business Concepts and the driving force behind K-Sail.
Kongsberg Maritime’s expertise in maritime technology integration is central to the K-Sail service. The optimisation process is divided into five key areas:
- Analysis: Understanding the vessel's operational parameters and selecting the appropriate sail technology.
- Steering Optimisation: Adjusting the steering system to accommodate the additional thrust generated by the sails.
- Propulsion Optimisation: Ensuring the propeller operates efficiently with the added wind propulsion.
- Power Management: Balancing the power generated by the sails with the ship's energy requirements.
- Voyage Optimisation: Using AI and real-time data to optimise the vessel's route and speed for maximum efficiency
"K-Sail is a solution where we make different ship equipment play with each other, better. Putting a sail on a ship is of course not new. But the essence of using it successfully lies in the integration of these sails into the ship's systems," says Sjöblom.
Kongsberg Maritime customer Terntank has already been working with the K-Sail team on a pilot project. In 2025, the first of five wind-assisted tankers ordered by Terntank will be launched, serving as the first reference point for K-Sail. Sjöblom estimates that the fuel savings will increase from first estimated 9% to 15% thanks to K-Sail".
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