Wind assisted propulsion company Norsepower has opened what it says is the world’s first dedicated rotor sail factory, in Dafeng, China.
The company says that this development showcases its commitment to innovation, advancing sustainable solutions, and supporting the growth of wind propulsion in shipping. The new factory, strategically located near key shipping routes and shipyards, will initially have the capacity to produce 50 Norsepower Rotor Sails per year, with plans to scale up to 100 units by the end of 2027. This increase in production capacity reflects Norsepower’s drive to meet the growing demand for sustainable maritime technologies. It also demonstrates the company’s aim to provide timely, high-quality fuel-saving and emission reducing products for its global customers.
Heikki Pöntynen, CEO Norsepower, said: “With this state-of-the-art facility, we are reinforcing our position as the leader in wind-assisted propulsion products. Norsepower is the pioneer of the entire industry. It coined the term ‘rotor sail’, opened the rotor sail market. Norsepower radically modernised the Flettner rotor concept, transforming it into a future proof, data-driven product. Today, we remain at the forefront of innovation and are proud to push the boundaries of Norsepower Rotor Sail production to help to create an even more sustainable maritime future.”
Norsepower’s new facility represents a collaboration between Finnish and Chinese engineering expertise, joining a legacy of Finnish companies, including Nokia, Wärtsilä, and Rovio, that have expanded their operations in China. The factory embodies combined know-how, featuring a diverse team of skilled engineers, scientists, and motivated industry professionals committed to Norsepower’s vision of sustainable shipping.
According to Norsepower, the factory not only sets it apart from imitators but also strengthens the company’s ability to serve the burgeoning €60bn wind propulsion market with its product, developed over more than a decade of experience and a proven track record. Norsepower claims an outstanding uptime track record on most of the installations to date.
As Norsepower moves forward, the company remains committed to bringing novel innovations and modern technology to rotor sails, meeting the maritime industry’s needs for sustainability and efficiency, and helping protect the planet in the centuries to come.
Image: Opening of Norsepower’s Chinese factory (source: Norsepower)
