Danish Test Vessel to Help Chart the Course for Sail-Assisted Emission Reductions in Shipping

Uni-Tankers’ M/T Jutlandia Swan has just been equipped with four wingsails – known as
VentoFoils. This marks an important milestone in the Danish Cleanship project, funded by the
Danish EPA’s MUDP program, which aims to collect new and more precise data on the
practical effect of wingsails. The goal is to provide the shipping industry with a stronger
foundation for reducing both fuel consumption and emissions.

With the installation of the four sails, Uni-Tankers’ M/T Jutlandia Swan is now almost ready to
set sail and carry out the first measurements.

— This is a key milestone for the Cleanship project as we enter a new phase. By measuring
this technology under real-sailing conditions, we can deliver valuable insights into the actual
effects of energy-efficient solutions on vessels, says Julie Tølbøl Rasmussen, Senior Project
Manager at the Danish Technological Institute and for the Cleanship project.

The Cleanship project is also documenting the effect of biofuels and analyzing operational
strategies so that shipping companies receive concrete recommendations to reduce
emissions in practice.

From Insight to Action
For the shipping industry, the challenge is not only to test new solutions, but to understand
how they perform in daily operations. By using wind to provide additional thrust and reduce
the load on the main engine, wingsails offer a practical way to improve energy efficiency—
especially during open-sea voyages.

– Wind-assisted propulsion holds clear potential, but its real value depends on how well it is
integrated into daily operations. We now have the opportunity to test how these sails perform
at sea, what they mean for fuel efficiency, and how the crew can work with them in practice,
says Kristian Larsen, Technical Director at Uni-Tankers.

Preparing Crew for New Technology
Since VentoFoils are active components that require deployment and integration with the
ship’s systems, Uni-Tankers is placing strong emphasis on crew engagement, and is
currently developing training, maintenance, and operational procedures to ensure the crew
can operate the sails safely and effectively.

– New technology only delivers results when it is understood and supported by the crew
onboard. That is why we involve the crew as much as possible and make sure they have the
right knowledge and routines in place, adds Kristian Larsen.

From Installation to Impact
With the successful installation of the wind sails, the Cleanship project is ready to move from
preparation to action: collecting data at sea. The performance of the VentoFoils will be
continuously monitored through the ship’s systems, which track fuel consumption, speed,
engine load, and weather conditions.

— Through data and real operational experience, the Cleanship project aims to bridge the
gap between technology and practical, implementable solutions, giving the maritime sector
real tools to create change, says Julie Tølbøl Rasmussen.

About the Cleanship Project
Cleanship is a Danish research project (2024–2026) led by Danish Technological Institute in
collaboration with partners including Uni-Tankers A/S, Green Instruments, the Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, Danish Shipping, and Danish Maritime. The
project aims to reduce harmful maritime emissions through testing and demonstration of
biofuels, energy-saving technologies, and operational optimizations. The project is supported
by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s MUDP program with a grant of DKK 18
million.

Key Facts

• MUDP, Danish Environmental Protection Agency: DKK 18.2 million
• Total budget: DKK 25 million
• Duration: 3 years
• Official title: CLEANSHIP
• Project Partners
o Danish Technological Institute (project lead)
o Uni-Tankers A/S
o Green Instruments
o Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
o Danish Shipping
o Danish Maritime

• Learn more: www.dti.dk/projects/cleanship/welcome-to-the-cleanship-project/46089

About the Project Partners

Danish Technological Institute
As an independent, non-profit GTS institute, Danish Technological Institute strengthens
businesses and society in addressing future technological and economic challenges. The
institute prioritizes the transformation of the maritime sector and contributes expertise in
sensor technology, data collection and analysis, advanced fuels, and project management
for CLEANSHIP.

For more information: https://www.teknologisk.dk/

Uni-Tankers
Uni-Tankers is among the leading tanker shipping companies operating in the small and
intermediate tanker segments. Uni-Tankers operates a fleet of 40 owned and time-chartered
vessels, one of the youngest in its core markets. The company strives to deliver world-class
service through technical expertise and an open, approachable culture. Headquartered in
Middelfart, Denmark, Uni-Tankers also conducts commercial activities from offices in Aalborg
(Denmark), Mougins (France), Istanbul (Turkey), Houston (USA), and Malaga (Spain).

For more information: https://uni-tankers.com/

Green Instruments
Green Instruments specializes in technologies for emissions control, water and gas
monitoring, hazard detection, and energy optimization to enable more sustainable and safe
vessel operations. Green Instruments is a global business with extensive experience in
monitoring and analysis, and the company’s solutions are also applicable to industrial use.
Founded in 1999, Green Instruments is headquartered and manufactures in Brønderslev,
Denmark, with additional offices in the USA and Singapore.

For more information: https://greeninstruments.com/

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) is an independent,
non-profit research and development center established in 2020 with funding from the A.P.
Møller Foundation. Its purpose is to guide and create solutions for the global maritime
industry that can accelerate the establishment of CO2-neutral shipping by 2050.

For more information and an overview of partners: www.zerocarbonshipping.com

Danish Shipping
Danish Shipping is an interest organization representing the interests of shipping companies
in negotiations, advising government delegations, and collaborating with various
international shipping organizations in the EU and globally.

For more information: https://danishshipping.dk/

Danish Maritime
Danish Maritime is a trade association for Danish suppliers of ships, maritime equipment,
services, and ship design. In Denmark, Danish Maritime contributes to political decisionmaking at all levels and collaborates with other industry stakeholders to create optimal
conditions. Politically, the work of the maritime industry concerns a wide range of areas,
including transport, climate, environment, energy, employment, infrastructure, education, and
research.

For more information: https://danskemaritime.dk