The world’s first bulk carrier equipped with rotor sails, the 64,000 DWT vessel “Afros,” has successfully completed its second intermediate dry-dock survey. The result confirms the long-term operational durability of wind-assisted propulsion systems.
The Ultramax-type vessel, owned by Blue Planet Shipping, passed inspection by Lloyd’s Register in April 2026, with all four rotor sails confirmed to be fully operational after eight years of service.
Installed in 2018 by Anemoi Marine Technologies, the rotor sails have maintained an operational readiness rate above 95% across 154 voyages and approximately 200 port calls during the vessel’s service life.
Over the reporting period, the system contributed to an estimated fuel saving of around 1,340 tons and a reduction of 4,980 tons of CO₂ emissions.
The shipowner stated that the technology has not imposed any operational or cargo-handling limitations. These results further confirm that rotor sail systems are not only an innovative solution for global shipping but also an economically and environmentally efficient technology.
