Advanced Chemical Tanker Bow Erikson Enters Odfjell Fleet

The four sails are foldable. Photo courtesy of Odfjell.

A class of its own

The advanced technology sets Bow Erikson apart from her peers: Compared to the average tanker in this class, energy efficiency is improved by 50%.

Two innovations are central to this performance: Gate rudder and wind-assisted propulsion sails (WAPS).

The gate rudder – an industry-first for chemical tankers – is an advanced steering system featuring two vertical foils on either side of the propeller. Unlike conventional rudders, it interacts directly with the propeller’s slipstream, generating added lift and thrust while steering. The result is improved propulsion efficiency and reduced emissions.

Complementing this system are four Econowind suction sails, which operate automatically and integrate seamlessly with the vessel’s propulsion setup. By harnessing wind energy when conditions allow, the sails provide additional thrust and reduce fuel consumption, adding a renewable resource to the vessel’s energy mix.

The technologies work in tandem, allowing measurable environmental benefits in day-to-day operations.

Even prior to entering service, the results are documented: sea trials indicated approximately 20% lower fuel consumption than sister vessels, even before accounting for the effect of sails. Bow Erikson is the first chemical tanker to achieve a Phase 5 Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) equivalent rating.

The vessel is the latest addition to a 20-year shipbuilding partnership between Odfjell and Japan’s Kitanihon shipyard. To date, Kitanihon has delivered 14 vessels to the Odfjell fleet, all strong-performing chemical tankers.

Exceptional name for exceptional ships

Bow Erikson is the first vessel in Odfjell’s new naming series: the explorers. The coming vessels in this 40k dwt segment will all carry the names of renowned Norwegian, Japanese, and Filipino explorers – honoring our company’s Norwegian heritage, our Filipino crew, and our long-standing ties to Japanese maritime partners.

Bow Erikson is named after Leiv Erikson, a prominent figure in Norwegian Viking history, known for crossing the Atlantic over 1,000 years ago to reach what is now Canada and the U.S.

At the naming ceremony in late March, CEO Harald Fotland was joined by representatives from the owners, yard, financing partners, and the Norwegian Embassy in Japan. Godmother Carina Odfjell upheld tradition by cutting the ceremonial cord, wishing the unique vessel smooth sailing and fair winds.

Following the ceremony, the 40k dwt, 28-tank stainless steel vessel entered service immediately, setting sail on her maiden voyage with Ulsan as her first port of call.