China’s Dealfeng to equip 14K series chemical tankers with rotor sails
As the global shipping industry transitions toward decarbonisation and sustainability, Singapore-based shipowner Hungze has signed a cooperation agreement with Dealfeng, a Chinese company specialised in the design and installation of wind-assisted propulsion systems. The partnership will equip a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng® rotor sails.
Each vessel will feature a 5 m x 24 m Dealfeng rotor sail installed on its forecastle deck. Collaborating with maritime software provider NAPA, the project will utilise route optimisation systems to maximise the efficiency of wind-assisted voyages, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reduction while improving overall energy performance.
The first vessel in the series is scheduled for delivery with the rotor sail system in the 4th quarter of 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate that the technology will achieve approximately 8% fuel savings on the vessel’s trading routes. This project not only marks Dealfeng’s breakthrough in securing its first overseas commercial contract but also demonstrates the shipping industry’s recognition of Dealfeng’s independently developed wind-assisted propulsion technology. It underscores a shared commitment between shipowners and green technology innovators to support the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy and advance green shipping initiatives.
Dealfeng, a clean energy technology company specialising in the R&D, manufacturing and EPC services of shipborne energy-saving systems, has long focused on developing Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its core product, the rotor sail, harnesses wind energy via the Magnus effect to provide auxiliary propulsion for vessels. The Dealfeng rotor sail, made of lightweight and strong composite material and with a fully automatic Dealfeng control system, generates forward thrust as the wind causes pressure difference around the rotating rotor while the vessel is sailing.
Tailored to different ship types, the system offers fuel and carbon emission reductions of 5%–25%, with even greater efficiency under favourable wind conditions. Dealfeng’s rotor sail technology has obtained certifications from multiple classification societies and has been successfully deployed across numerous vessels, accumulating years of operational experience that validate its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
Cover photo: China’s Dealfeng to equip 14K series chemical tankers with rotor sails (credits: Dealfeng)
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