World’s Largest Ore Carrier to Feature Fuel-Saving Rotor Sails by 2025
NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NSU) and Vale International SA have partnered to install five rotor sails on the massive 400,000 dwt Valemax Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), the NSU Tubarao, by September 2025.
Manufactured by Anemoi Marine Technologies, these rotor sails, standing 35 meters tall and 5 meters wide, are designed to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 6-12%.
The rotor sails use wind energy to propel the vessel, creating a pressure difference around the rotating cylinders, improving the ship's overall energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
NSU’s commitment to sustainability is clear, with plans to implement advanced energy-saving technologies and explore next-generation fuels as part of its green strategy.
The NSU Tubarao, a giant ore carrier, has been transporting iron ore for Vale since 2020 and spans 361 meters in length with a deadweight of around 400,000 tons, making it one of the largest vessels globally.
Vale supports the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts through its Ecoshipping program, with an ambitious goal to reduce shipping-related emissions by 15% by 2035.
Since 2018, Vale has operated second-generation Valemax and Guaibamax vessels, some of the world’s most efficient ships, each designed for maximum cargo and fuel efficiency.
Anemoi Marine Technologies, the company behind the rotor sails, sees this installation as a major step toward sustainable shipping, reducing fuel use and emissions for one of the world’s largest vessels.