{
  "id": 5104596,
  "title": "Maersk recurre a las velas para reducir el consumo de combustible de sus buques portacontenedores",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/maersk-recurre-a-las-velas-para-reducir-el-consumo-de-combustible-de",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-02T14:03:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Expansion ES",
    "slug": "expansion-es",
    "url": "https://www.expansion.com/economia/financial-times/2026/09/02/6a982ca9e5fdea70788b458f.html"
  },
  "original_language": "es",
  "account": "Maersk, the second-largest container shipping company in the world, has signed a deal to install a 35-meter high rotor sail on one of its medium-sized container ships as a pilot project. This traditional technology is being employed again to reduce future fuel consumption and meet stricter environmental regulations. Nick Contopoulos, Anemoi's commercial director, explains that container ships pose a particular challenge for the installation of wind energy due to the lack of space on the deck for storage. However, modern rotators offer advantages as they can operate in specific routes and improve profitability by choosing routes with more wind, thus enhancing return on investment. Anemoi's rotor sails can function in rough seas and winds up to 35 meters per second. The rotor sail installed on Maersk's ship will be fixed vertically on the bow. Other Anemoi systems can fold when the ship reaches port. Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk's fleet technology director, states that the world's second-largest container shipping company views this project as a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience and assess its relevance to their fleet and container shipping in general. Gavin Allwright, secretary-general of the International Association of Sail Yacht Clubs, notes that there is a growing interest in wind propulsion technologies as environmental regulations become stricter. Various wind propulsion technologies, such as foldable rotators and suction wings, are being developed. The EU included shipping in its emissions trading system starting in 2024 and introduced new standards requiring shipowners to reduce the intensity of emissions from the fuels they consume. The International Maritime Organization is also negotiating new emission standards for the sector despite strong opposition from the United States to decarbonization efforts. Currently, shipping accounts for about 3% of global annual carbon dioxide emissions. According to Allwright, there are approximately 110 commercial installations on ships over 400 gross registered tons, with 80 to 90 under contract and about 50 in planning stages. In recent years, the number of installations has doubled annually, and the increase in fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East has also boosted interest. The amount of free space on the deck is the main reason why rotators have been installed mainly on bulk carriers, but they have also been incorporated into bulkers, grain carriers, and car carriers. Peter Jameson, head of Boston Consulting Group, points out that fuel savings from wind technology could range between 5% and 25%, depending on the ship and route, and could be even greater under favorable conditions. The main barrier is commercial rather than technical, as the installation of these systems can cost several million dollars, and the payback period may extend far beyond a typical charter contract. Often, the owner assumes the initial cost, while the charterer benefits from the reduced fuel bill, so incentives are not naturally aligned. Anemoi estimates that each of its rotor sails saves about one ton of fuel per day and three tons of CO2 emissions per sail. The cost ranges from $600,000 to $1.2 million per sail, not including installation costs, according to Contopoulos.",
  "summary": "La industria marítima vuelve a emplear esta tecnología ancestral para reducir el consumo futuro de combustible. Leer",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}