Designed for wind, shaped for waves

The FKAB T61, 7000 DWT Stainless Steel Tanker, is ready for the future.

Wind-assisted propulsion is emerging as one of the most promising energy-saving technologies in shipping. However, successfully integrating wind propulsion is not simply a matter of installing sails. It requires a vessel designed from the outset to operate efficiently with wind-assisted propulsion.
The T61, a 7 000 DWT stainless steel chemical and product tanker has therefore been developed with wind integration as a core design principle. The concept combines high operational efficiency today with flexibility to adapt to future energy solutions.

Efficient by design
The vessel features an optimized hull form with FKAB’s F-Bow, improving seakeeping in rough conditions while reducing resistance. This is particularly important for vessels operating with wind propulsion, where improved behaviour in waves directly influences overall performance.
Even without wind-assisted propulsion or other energy-saving devices, the vessel demonstrates strong inherent efficiency. At 11.5 knots, the T61 concept consumes approximately 7 tonnes of fuel per day at 80% MCR, including 150 kW electrical load and a 15% sea margin.
The preliminary EEDI performance is well below the IMO requirement, even when calculated without sails or other energy-saving technologies and including a five percent engine maker tolerance. Depending on fuel choice, the attained EEDI ranges between 6.72 and 8.76, compared with a required value of 15.08, providing a significant margin for future regulatory developments.

Wind-assisted propulsion
The design includes structural preparation for wind-assisted propulsion systems such as suction sails, rotor sails or wing sails. Two sails are expected to provide a combined mean saving of approximately 290 kW, corresponding to roughly 1.2 tonnes of diesel per day.
Because wind propulsion performance is highly dependent on operating conditions, FKAB performs advanced wind studies, analysing wind statistics, trading routes and operational profiles. These studies determine whether wind-assisted propulsion can deliver meaningful savings on specific trades and help identify the most suitable sail technology.

Hybrid propulsion and battery capacity
The propulsion system is designed as a hybrid arrangement supported by a substantial battery installation. The vessel is equipped with 6 MWh of battery capacity for peak shaving, UPS functionality and operational flexibility. Additional space is reserved for a further 3 MWh of battery capacity, allowing the system to expand to 9 MWh as operational needs or regulatory requirements evolve.

Future-ready flexibility
With preparation for wind propulsion, hybrid power integration and future fuel solutions, the T61 concept provides shipowners with a vessel platform that combines efficiency today with adaptability for tomorrow.
When wind becomes part of the propulsion system, naval architecture matters more than ever.
Link to T61 Reference & Onepager