During an official visit to China, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has highlighted Anemoi Marine Technologies as an example of British capability in maritime decarbonization.
Anemoi is a UK-based engineering company specializing in wind-assisted propulsion systems for commercial shipping. The company develops Rotor Sails, mechanical sails designed to use wind power to reduce vessel fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. While Anemoi is headquartered in the UK, the company operates production in China.
The recognition coincided with Anemoi’s participation in a series of UK-China business events. Andrew Starforth, Anemoi’s recently appointed program director, attended the UK government-hosted House of UK Reception event last week as well as the UK-China business forum organized by the China-Britain Business Council and the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai.
Since June 2023, Anemoi has secured £28m (US$38m) in exports linked to the installation of 29 Rotor Sails across seven vessels. These include four of the world’s largest ships operating on long-distance iron ore routes between Brazil and China. According to the company, the deployments demonstrate the suitability of wind-assisted propulsion technology for demanding international trade routes.
Anemoi’s design and R&D work is carried out in the UK, supported by multiple test facilities, including two in northern England. Some of this work has received funding through the UK government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. Since commercializing Rotor Sails in 2020, the company has expanded its UK workforce nearly tenfold, adding more than 45 jobs, and operates graduate and STEM-focused programs. Anemoi also works with UK-based partners and consultancies, contributing more than £9m (US$12m) to the UK economy over the past decade.
Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi, said, “Our focus has always been on delivering real, measurable decarbonization for the shipping industry. Rotor Sails offer immediate reductions in fuel use and emissions. To date, we’re proud to share that our technology has harnessed the renewable power of wind to save over 91,000 metric tons of CO2, and counting. This recognition highlights the increasing relevance of UK-developed clean maritime technology in global shipping. Our model of UK-led innovation combined with China’s maritime manufacturing expertise allows us to scale reliably and support shipowners globally in reducing their environmental impact.”
The UK government’s recognition positions Anemoi as part of its broader clean maritime and international decarbonization strategy.
Related news, Anemoi installs five rotor sails on 400,000 DWT ore carrier