Norsepower has completed the installation of the first of six rotor sails aboard the Spirit of Toulouse, a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel under construction at Wuchang Shipyard in China, marking the start of the wind propulsion installation phase on a project aimed at reducing fuel consumption on transatlantic shipments of Airbus aircraft components.

According to Norsepower, the vessel has since docked at the shipyard, where all six Norsepower Rotor Sails — each measuring 35 metres by 5 metres — will be fitted before sea trials take place.

The Spirit of Toulouse is the lead ship in a fleet of three low-emission ro-ro vessels built for French shipping company LD Armateurs (LDA) and chartered for Airbus. Norsepower says the vessel will carry one of the highest numbers of rotor sails installed on a ro-ro vessel of its class.

The rotor sails are paired with two dual-fuel engines capable of running on e-methanol, biomethanol or marine diesel oil, with the wind propulsion system designed to work in combination with the methanol propulsion system to cut fuel consumption and improve efficiency across voyages.

Construction at Wuchang Shipyard began in October that year, and the lead vessel was launched in February 2026. During the construction process, the Spirit of Toulouse became the first newbuild of her type to transit beneath the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, clearing it with an air draught of approximately 22.85 metres.

The Spirit of Toulouse is set to complete the installation and commissioning of all six rotor sails ahead of her two sister vessels. Once operational, the three vessels will serve a transatlantic route transporting Airbus aircraft components.

Partners on the project include LD Armateurs, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd., and Airbus.