Economic Feasibility and Operational Performance of Rotor Sails in Maritime Transport

Kristine Carjova, Olli-Pekka Hilmola () and Ulla Tapaninen
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Kristine Carjova: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Olli-Pekka Hilmola: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Ulla Tapaninen: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-19

Abstract: The maritime sector is under pressure to increase ship energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a part of global decarbonization goals. Various innovative technologies are being adopted in recent years, raising concerns not only about technological feasibility but also about the economic viability of such technologies in the context of sustainable maritime practices. This study evaluates the operational performance, potential to increase energy efficiency, and economic feasibility of wind-assisted propulsion technologies such as rotor sails across different vessel types and operational profiles. As a contribution to cleaner and more efficient shipping, energy savings produced by rotor thrust were analyzed in relation to vessel dimensions and rotor configuration. The results derived from publicly available industry data including shipowner reports, manufacturer case studies, and classification society publications on 25 confirmed rotor sail installations between 2010 and 2025 indicate that savings typically range between 4% and 15%, with isolated cases reporting up to 25%. A simulation model was developed to assess payback time based on varying fuel consumption, investment cost, CO 2 pricing, and operational parameters. Monte Carlo analysis confirmed that under typical assumptions rotor sail investments can reach payback in three to six years (as the ship is also liable for CO 2 payments). These findings offer practical guidance for shipowners and operators evaluating wind-assisted propulsion under current and emerging environmental regulations and contribute to advancing sustainability in maritime transport. The research contributes to bridging the gap between simulation-based and real-world performance evaluations of rotor sail technologies.

Keywords: rotor sails; wind-assisted propulsion; fuel savings; maritime decarbonization; economic feasibility; sustainable shipping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5909-:d:1688542

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