University helps power maiden voyage of wind-assisted tanker with world-first training

Following an exciting collaboration between UML, the University’s Warsash Maritime School (WMS) and Wärtsilä, this important milestone marks the delivery of the world’s first simulator-based training course for seafarers operating vessels with Flettner rotors—a key green technology for cutting emissions in global shipping.

Buran is equipped with two Flettner rotors, designed and built by Norsepower, known as Rotor Sails^TM. To ensure that the wind assisted propulsion system is used as effectively and as efficiently as possible, UML collaborated with the University and Wartsila, to develop a digital twin of the vessel, which included the Flettner rotors and their control system.

The University undertook a set of digital sea trials in their state-of-the-art maritime simulation centre to test the model against theoretical performance predictions to ensure that the digital twin was accurate.

Now operational in the University’s maritime simulation centre, the digital twin enables ships’ crews to build an understanding of how the system works in operation and how to get the best efficiency from the system in a range of conditions.

The simulation sessions include close quarters manoeuvring, operating in heavy weather and understanding the effect of different environmental conditions on the operation of the rotors.

Jonathan Ridley, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor at Solent University, led the digital twin testing at the University. He says, “The decarbonisation of shipping is a huge challenge that we can only address step-by-step.

“After many hours of testing the digital twin and developing a training course for seafarers it is very exciting to see the real ship set sail on her maiden voyage. We look forward to working further with Union Maritime Ltd to help equip their officers with the knowledge and skills needed to use these systems efficiently at sea.”

Laurent Cadji, Managing Director at Union Maritime, says:  “The launch of Buran is a milestone for Union Maritime and for sustainable shipping. This vessel is the first of many as Union Maritime builds a stronger, more sustainable fleet, and thanks to our innovative collaboration with Solent University and Wärtsilä, we’re ensuring officers are trained to maximise this technology from day one.”