Wartsila and Kuribayashi Steamship have signed a licence and co-operation agreement for developing, selling and servicing gate rudders. Along with Kuribayashi Steamship, Kamome Propeller, the National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology (NIMPAT, Japan), Yamanaka Shipbuilding and Professor Noriyuki Sasaki are the other patent holders. Wartsila plans to integrate the gate rudders with the propulsion product designs and concentrate on markets around the world other than Japan. The gate rudder integration with the Wartsila's propulsion offerings is expected to boost its Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) compliance. Wartsila said that the technology is offered for new-build and existing vessels. The technology is an essential design part and is expected to improve fuel efficiency, manoeuvrability and course stability and reduce noise and vibration, offering 'synergies in capital and operational savings'.