Analysis on sail selection and energy conservation of a Panamax bulk carrier

Sail-assisted ships are able to release the less exhaust gas than conventional ships with diesel engines. In this paper, the characteristics of different types of sailing rigs are discussed, and one type of the sails is chosen to be applied on an ocean-going bulk carrier. Then, the efficiency of the ocean-going ship is investigated through establishing the dynamic model. The sail-assisted bulk carrier can cut emission of carbon dioxide or fuel consumption by 7 percent totally compared to a conventional bulk carrier on route of Tianjin-Dalian. The research also includes the assessment of the sailing performance of the ship and maximum initial allowable investment of sails. Sail-assisted ships would make an important contribution to improving global environment by reducing the demands of fuel.