LD Armateurs and Norsepower have completed the installation of six Norsepower Rotor Sails on Spirit of Toulouse, the first of three low-emission roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels being built for LD Armateurs to support Airbus transport operations. The installation was carried out by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group at a coastal outfitting site in Shanghai.
Each rotor sail measures 35 metres high and 5 metres in diameter. The vessel is also equipped with two dual-fuel main engines and two dual-fuel generator sets, designed to operate on e-methanol, bio-methanol or marine diesel oil. The rotor sails are intended to work alongside the vessel’s methanol propulsion system to reduce fuel consumption.
Spirit of Toulouse is the first of three sister ships, alongside Spirit of Mobile and Spirit of Mirabel. The vessels will operate under charter to Airbus, transporting large aircraft sub-assemblies between production sites in Europe and North America.
LD Armateurs and Norsepower announced their collaboration in early 2024. Construction began later that year, and the lead vessel was launched in February 2026. Installation of the rotor sails has now been completed ahead of sea trials.
