World’s Largest VLOC To Feature Fuel-Saving Rotor Sails By 2025

NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NSU) has teamed up with Vale International SA to install five rotor sails on the enormous 400,000 dwt Valemax Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), NSU Tubarao.

The rotor sails, manufactured by Anemoi Marine Technologies, are set to be installed by September 2025.

These cylindrical sails, each 35 meters tall and 5 meters wide, will help the vessel reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 6-12%.

Rotor sails create a pressure difference around the rotating cylinders, using wind energy to help move the ship. This method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves energy efficiency.

NSU has committed to implementing energy-saving technologies and studying next-generation fuels as part of its sustainability strategy.

Very Large Ore Carrier — Image Credits: Anemoi/Linkedin

The NSU Tubarao, which has been transporting iron ore for Vale since its delivery in September 2020, is 361 meters long, 65 meters in beam and a deadweight of around 400,000 metric tons.

Vale is committed to supporting maritime decarbonization efforts that comply with the International Maritime Organization goals through its Ecoshipping program.

By 2035, the company wants to reduce its scope of three emissions, including those from shipping, by 15%.

Vale has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (with a capacity of 400,000 tons) and Guaibamaxes (with a capacity of 325,000 tons) since 2018 and 2019, respectively.

These vessels are considered among the most efficient in the world.

The company behind the rotor sail technology, Anemoi Marine Technologies, discussed the importance of the project, stating that its installation on one of the world’s largest vessels is a significant step toward sustainability in shipping.

The company has led the way in providing rotor sails that save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide emissions, making shipping operations more environmentally friendly.

Reference: Anemoi Marine

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