December 19 ------ UK-based wind-assisted propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of five rotor sails onboard the 400,000 dwt very large ore carrier (VLOC) Sohar Max, making it “the largest” vessel to receive wind propulsion technology to date. Sohar Max is a first-generation Valemax, built at China’s Rongsheng shipyard in 2012. The retrofit project was first unveiled in November 2023.
As part of the collaboration between Brazilian mining giant Vale, Omani shipowner Asyad and Anemoi, the five 35-meter tall, 5-meter diameter rotor sails were retrofitted onboard Sohar Max at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China, in October 2024. In addition, Anemoi has installed its folding deployment system which will enable the sails to be folded from the vertical position to mitigate any impacts on the vessel’s cargo handling operations.
With the installation of the rotor sails, it is expected that Sohar Max will now be able to reduce its fuel consumption by up to 6% and cut carbon emissions by up to 3,000 tons annually. Sohar Max has just completed a voyage to Tubarao, during which the rotor sail test period began and testing will continue on future voyages.
“Since 2010, Vale has been operating with highly efficient ships and, in recent years, has fostered initiatives for the adoption of wind energy, which will play a central role in the decarbonization of maritime transport of iron ore. This project reinforces this tradition of Vale’s shipping area of investing in innovation and stimulating the modernization of the fleet to reduce emissions, in partnership with shipowners,” Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Director of Shipping, commented.
“This is an exciting landmark project for Anemoi, and wind propulsion in general, as it demonstrates the significant impact wind energy has on even the largest vessels. Installing our Rotor Sails on this scale is a proud moment, showcasing our award-winning technology on another ore carrier. We are thrilled to be a part of Vale and Asyad’s ongoing sustainability plans and to support their efforts in driving decarbonization across the maritime industry,” Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production & Partnerships Officer of Anemoi Marine Technologies, said.
In October 2024, Vale announced its intention to install Anemoi’s rotor sails onboard the 400,000 dwt VLOC NSU Tubarao, which is owned by NS United Kaiun Kaisha. The project, which is due for completion in September 2025, is expected to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Most recently, Taiwanese shipping company U-Ming Marine Transport revealed plans to install Anemoi rotor sails on one of its 325,000 dwt VLOCs, anticipating approximately 10-12% fuel and emission savings. Rotor sails are being increasingly embraced by shipowners which are aiming to achieve net-zero emissions and enhance the energy performance of vessels. Rotor sails are a compact technology that offers a large thrust force to propel ships, helping them comply with pivotal international emission reduction benchmarks such as CII and EEDI/EEXI.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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