Driven by Technological Advancements

WPB: The maritime industry is undergoing rapid transformation, evolving alongside technological advancements to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Companies like MAN Energy Solutions and Anemoi Marine Technologies, both with deep-rooted legacies, are introducing innovative propulsion solutions that respect traditional approaches while incorporating lessons from history.

Government policies, public opinion, and regulatory frameworks related to the maritime sector’s ecological footprint are constantly shifting. In response, well-established manufacturers across different sectors are leveraging their long-standing expertise to navigate this uncertain landscape.

For over a century, MAN Energy Solutions has played a pioneering role in marine propulsion technology. From collaborating with Rudolf Diesel to develop the first diesel engine to embracing eco-friendly propulsion systems, the company merges proven power solutions with cutting-edge innovation to address the evolving demands of global shipping.

“Today, more than half of global trade relies on our engines,” states Bjarne Foldager, Senior Vice President & Head of Two-Stroke Business. MAN’s product lineup now includes state-of-the-art two- and four-stroke engines, hybrid propulsion mechanisms, and advanced emission control technologies, all designed to enhance efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Anemoi Marine Technologies has embraced an age-old concept to modernize propulsion—harnessing wind power. The UK-based firm is at the forefront of reviving rotor sail technology, an approach aimed at curbing carbon emissions and lowering fuel consumption.

Anemoi’s roots trace back to Costas Apodiakos, who, in the 1970s, envisioned wind-assisted propulsion as a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels. Over the years, Anemoi has emerged as the industry leader in rotor sail development, proving that wind-based propulsion systems can integrate seamlessly with contemporary maritime operations.

“Rotor sails have existed for 100 years,” notes CEO Kim Diederichsen, “but only now are they proving to be a practical solution for modern shipping.”

Transitioning to Sustainable Energy

The maritime sector stands at a crucial turning point, with alternative fuels and propulsion technologies reshaping vessel designs—both for new constructions and retrofitted ships.

A major force in this transition, MAN Energy Solutions is at the forefront of efforts to decarbonize global shipping. The company has seen a significant rise in orders for its methanol-fueled engines in 2024 and is also developing the world’s first ammonia-powered engine, which has already undergone successful test runs and is now entering full-scale production in Japan.

Retrofitting is another key strategy in this shift. One of MAN’s landmark projects involved upgrading the Maersk Halifax, making it the first large operational vessel to switch to methanol propulsion. “Decarbonization isn’t limited to new ships,” Foldager explains. “Retrofitting the existing fleet to function on green fuels is equally critical.”

While some alternative energy solutions remain controversial, MAN supports a diversified fuel approach as the industry transitions. “We anticipate a mixed fuel future, with ammonia, methanol, and LNG leading the way,” Foldager states, predicting that ammonia will surpass methanol as the preferred alternative by 2035. MAN’s dual-fuel engines are engineered for this flexibility, ensuring ships remain adaptable amid ongoing industry changes.

Similarly, Anemoi Marine Technologies is playing a significant role in this transition.

Their rotor sail systems, designed to leverage wind energy as an auxiliary power source, combine engineering precision with practical adaptability. These sails help cut fuel usage and emissions and are available in flexible deployment configurations, including folding and rail-mounted versions.

“Our designs ensure that cargo handling remains uninterrupted, which is vital for widespread adoption across different ship types,” Diederichsen emphasizes. Installations can be completed in as little as 23 days, demonstrating the immediate feasibility of wind-assisted propulsion.

Although MAN and Anemoi pursue different approaches to enhancing maritime propulsion, they share the same overarching goals: boosting efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. Their commitment aligns with global regulatory shifts and the IMO’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050.

Prioritizing Environmental Responsibility

This focus on sustainability comes at a critical time when regulatory pressures are intensifying, and international and regional organizations are advocating for aggressive decarbonization policies.

While many industry stakeholders are taking a wait-and-see approach, forward-thinking companies are actively shaping the regulations to ensure they are both environmentally effective and commercially viable.

Anemoi’s ability to navigate stringent maritime regulations has strengthened its reputation as a trusted industry partner. Its collaborations with classification organizations such as Lloyd’s Register and DNV guarantee that its rotor sails meet strict safety and operational requirements. In cases where standards are still being developed, Anemoi is working closely with regulatory bodies to establish compliance frameworks for EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) and EEXI (Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index).

Alternative fuels, meanwhile, come with their own set of challenges.

For instance, ammonia, despite its potential, is highly toxic. As a leader in ammonia-compatible engine manufacturing, MAN Energy Solutions is implementing comprehensive safety measures such as sensor-based monitoring, double-walled pipelines, and enhanced ventilation systems—all of which are being incorporated into mandatory classification regulations.

“Safety is the top priority. We must protect crew members while also ensuring maximum operational performance,” Foldager asserts.

Beyond technological advancements, MAN is actively advocating for policy reforms to accelerate maritime decarbonization. The company is urging the IMO to establish clear-cut measures by 2025, including a global CO₂ pricing mechanism, which is essential for making green fuels and energy-efficient technologies commercially viable.

Strengthening Global Supply Chains

The global pandemic highlighted the critical role of shipping and exposed vulnerabilities in supply chain stability. These challenges have prompted groundbreaking innovations with far-reaching implications for the industry.

Growing demand for rotor sails has led Anemoi to increase production capacity to 75 units per year, while also streamlining its supply chain. These efforts, combined with efficient installation techniques, allow for rapid deployment on newly built vessels while ensuring minimal downtime for retrofit projects.

In late 2023, MAN introduced its “Value Chain Resilience” initiative, aimed at creating a strong, interconnected supply network capable of sustaining decarbonization efforts. “Our goal is to provide a stable supply chain that both supports our customers and drives long-term industry growth,” Foldager explains.

Digitalization is another key pillar of MAN’s forward-thinking strategy. The MAN CEON platform offers real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, optimizing engine performance. Additional solutions like PrimeServ Assist and Asset+ further improve efficiency by minimizing unnecessary maintenance and optimizing fuel consumption using advanced engine control systems.

For wind-powered ships, strategic weather routing is crucial. Anemoi’s collaboration with NAPA, a Finnish maritime software specialist, integrates wind-assisted propulsion with real-time voyage optimization. This synergy has demonstrated fuel savings of up to 25% when combined with optimal routing strategies.

Shaping the Future of Maritime Propulsion

With rich legacies and forward-looking strategies, Anemoi Marine Technologies and MAN Energy Solutions are redefining the future of maritime propulsion.

As the shipping sector transitions toward a greener future, these companies are leading the charge through groundbreaking technologies, collaborative partnerships, and a strong commitment to safety and innovation.

Both MAN and Anemoi agree: the future of maritime transportation isn’t just about technology—it’s about reimagining the industry itself. As Diederichsen aptly puts it, “It’s not just about innovation—it’s about reshaping the future of shipping.”

By WPB

Shipping, Energy, Bitumen, Power