Pan Ocean Introduces Korea's First Eco-Friendly Propulsion Device 'Rotor Sail System'

‘SEA ZHOUSHAN’ with Rotor Sail Applied

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Pan Ocean announced on the 18th that it will install an eco-friendly propulsion device, the rotor sail system, on the ultra-large coal carrier 'SEA ZHOUSHAN,' which is scheduled to be deployed under a long-term transportation contract in collaboration with Brazil's Vale SA. The vessel is expected to enter the country in June after completing trial operations, and it is known that Pan Ocean's 'SEA ZHOUSHAN' is the first domestic foreign vessel to apply this system.

The rotor sail, an auxiliary propulsion system installed on the 'SEA ZHOUSHAN,' is 24 meters high and 4 meters in diameter, with a total of five units installed on the deck. The rotor sail is a device that utilizes the 'Magnus effect,' which generates propulsion by standing cylindrical columns vertically and rotating them with wind to create a pressure difference. It is simple to install and provides strong propulsion, making it an eco-friendly auxiliary technology that saves energy and has recently gained attention.

The Magnus effect refers to the phenomenon where a rotating object's axis of rotation, when perpendicular to the flow of fluid, generates a force perpendicular to both the fluid velocity and the axis of rotation.

A Pan Ocean official said, "Using wind energy is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 6-8% and decrease carbon dioxide emissions," adding, "As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce carbon emissions from international shipping by 50% compared to 2008 levels by 2050, we have introduced this eco-friendly technology on a trial basis."

Meanwhile, Pan Ocean reportedly signed a joint new technology agreement on the 6th with POS SM and the Korean Register to derive and analyze ways to improve fuel efficiency of the rotor sail system. Based on the analysis of actual operational data, they plan to establish ways to maximize the use of new technology, including systematic fuel-saving measures and efficiency enhancement techniques.

Jung-ho Ahn, CEO of Pan Ocean, said, "If the collaboration with POS SM and the Korean Register results in the system proving effective not only in fuel savings but also in improving overall operational efficiency, it would be worth considering additional adoption in the future."