Putting a New Spin on Shipping

Sammanfattning: This thesis concerns Flettner rotors, a wind propulsion technology for commercial shipping which has recently gained momentum due to its ability to reduce fuel consumption, and consequently CO2 emissions, in a polluting sector of industry. Flettner rotors are able to reduce average fuel consumption by up to 20% and can be operated on a wide variety of ship types and sizes through both retrofit and installations on new builds. The technology is conceptualised within the complex socio-technical system of maritime operations. Using semi-structured interviews of expert practitioners and document analysis, the state of the current Flettner rotor innovation system is mapped, including organisations, institutions and functions of innovation. A human factors approach is applied to gain data of operational experience, using direct observation of the technology on board a vessel and semi-structured interviews of practitioners, including crew members. This is used to identify the impact of Flettner rotors on vessel operations and the factors that influence Flettner rotor fuel saving performance. Findings show that the technology is close to commercialisation, but requires appropriate policy intervention to secure its development, such as facilitated access to finance, artificially-increased fuel prices and the incorporation of the maritime transport sector into carbon pricing mechanisms. Furthermore, the Flettner rotor is shown to be easily integrated into existing ship operations for most ship types with minimal increases in crew workload. Finally, fuel saving performance is found to be highly dependent on human factors, contrary to the beliefs of many technology providers. Improved bridge crew training, more detailed sailing instruction and motivation by shipowners are solutions to reduce fuel consumption in the near-term. Further validation of Flettner rotors and suitable policies to drive decarbonisation will lead to the technology’s uptake and incorporation into zero-emissions concepts for future shipping.