The Viking Line ferry, M/S Viking Grace is the first cruise ferry to be equipped with a 'Rotor Sail' for the utilisation of wind power.

The new Rotor Sail solution will cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions by up to 900 tonnes a year whilst operating on the Turku - Stockholm route from the 12th April 2018.

The cylindrical rotor sail on the vessel is 24 metres in height and uses the Magnus effect for propulsion. As the rotor spins, the passing air and pressure difference drives the ferry forward. The system reacts to changes in the direction or force of the wind automatically. 

Operational since 2013, the Viking Grace is one of the most environmentally friendly ferries in the world. It uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and produces very low emissions and noise.

Jan Hanses, CEO of Viking Line said

"This is a great day for us. As an Åland shipping company, we rely on the sea for our livelihood so it’s of prime importance for us to promote the well-being of the marine sea. We want to pioneer the use of solutions that reduce the environmental load. Based in Finland, Norsepower has developed a world-class mechanical rotor sail solution that will reduce fuel consumption. We are proud of the fact that our Viking Grace will be the first passenger ship in the world to benefit from this innovative solution."

In addition to the rotor sail solution installed onboard the M/S Viking Grace, Viking Line will be utilising the technology in its new vessel, which is due to be operational in 2020. Built in China, the passenger ship will be equipped with two mechanical rotor sails, doubling the wind power potential.