Odfjell CEO: “We are more willing to take technological risks than most shipping companies”

Odfjell’s two new ships will be the first chemical tankers in the world to use a propeller and rudder technology that saves the company half a ton of fuel per day.

Odfjell is the first chemical tanker company to adopt the Gate Rudder steering technology. Combined with sails, this innovation could save the Bergen-based company significant sums.

The Gate Rudder system will be installed on two new vessels scheduled for launch this spring from a shipyard in Japan. Previously, Odfjell was among the first to install sails on its ships.

Rethinking the rudder

The Gate Rudder concept first appeared on smaller Japanese vessels in 2017, explains Veine Huth from Odfjell’s Research and Development department.

In simple terms, the idea is to place the rudders parallel on each side of the propeller, rather than behind it as in a traditional setup. This creates a “gate-like” effect—hence the name Gate Rudder. The system uses the propeller’s flow to generate thrust and recover energy losses instead of creating drag.

Odfjell will combine the Gate Rudder with Econowind suction sails, which are 16 meters tall and can be folded down. These sails use a fan at the top and air perforations along the surface, operating on a similar principle to the B4B sails installed on the Bow Olympus. While slightly less powerful, they are simpler to produce and operate.

Adapting known technology

“We didn’t invent the wheel,” says Huth. “The technology has been researched for years, especially at marine institutes in Japan. Our work has been to identify and adapt the solution to our needs.”

Wärtsilä has already delivered Gate Rudders for several years, but Odfjell is the first to use them on chemical tankers.

Fuel efficiency gains

Fuel is among the highest operating costs for chemical tankers. Even a small reduction in consumption represents large savings.

“Our tests show we can save up to 1.5 tons of fuel per day at sea—around six to seven percent per Pacific crossing. That’s roughly NOK 10,000 per day in savings,” says Huth.

A typical voyage from Asia to Europe takes 24–25 days—equal to savings of about NOK 250,000 per trip.

While only two new ships will receive the technology initially, the Gate Rudder can also be retrofitted to existing vessels.

Proven benefits

Early Japanese tests showed fuel reductions of up to 14%. Reported advantages include:

  • Significant energy savings
  • Improved maneuverability and directional stability
  • Reduced noise and cavitation
  • Enhanced safety through redundancy (one rudder can control the ship in emergencies)

Cost and implementation

Exact prices are not disclosed since the technology is part of a newbuild package.

The first Odfjell ship equipped with Gate Rudders will be delivered from the Japanese yard in the first quarter of next year.

Leadership perspective

Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell, has become a global advocate for sail technology in shipping.

“Being first isn’t always what matters most,” Fotland says. “But it’s important to be early adopters of technology that can reduce our carbon intensity. We might be more willing to take risks than others—we dare to test new solutions, like our sail project.”

He adds that Odfjell’s openness about its decarbonization work has inspired other companies to follow suit, especially regarding propeller optimization, weather routing, and hull-cleaning routines.

“We share what we learn so the entire industry can move forward,” Fotland explains.