360-metre ore carrier becomes largest wind-assisted vessel360-metre ore carrier becomes largest wind-assisted vessel

Vale-chartered VLOC Sohar Max has become the largest ship to have wind assisted propulsion installed, with the successful retrofit of five Anemoi rotor sails.

The 5 m diameter sails were installed on Anemoi’s folding deployment system, a foundation which allows the rotor sails to be folded down to prevent interference with cargo operations. The 35-metre tall units were installed in October 2024 at COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China.

Image Credit: Vale

Initial testing of the system was carried out on the ship’s voyage to Tubarão, Brazil, and testing will continue on future voyages, the companies said. Sohar Max is expected to see fuel consumption savings and emissions reductions of up to 6%, cutting up to 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

The project is the sixth energy saving technology pilot project between Vale and Sohar Max owner Asyad across four ships chartered by the mining giant. Other trials include using silicone paint to reduce water resistance and fuel consumption, the installation of frequency inverters to reduce electrical consumption, and the use of hydrodynamic devices to improve propulsion.

Vale’s director of shipping, Rodrigo Bermelho, said: “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 decarbonisation of maritime transport of iron ore."

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Wind assisted propulsion has now been installed on five Vale-chartered vessels, including Norsepower rotor sails on MOL’s capesize Camellia Dream. Vale and Anemoi announced in October plans to install rotor sails on NSU United Kaiun Kaisha VLOC NSU Tubarao.

Vale said it had been funding rotor sail tests since 2021 on Pan Ocean's 325,000 dwt guaibamax Sea Zhoushan.

Nick Contopoulos, chief production & partnerships officer at Anemoi Marine Technologies, said: “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.

Rotor sails are among the frontrunner technologies in wind assisted ship propulsion, along with suction sails, rigid sails, and kites. Installations and contract announcements for wind assisted ship propulsion have increased in frequency over the past year as shipowners look to improve the efficiency of their fleets to meet regulatory requirements, and regulations like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) make wind power commercially viable on routes with less than optimal wind conditions.

Related:Eastern Pacific to install suction sails on first newbuilding

Image Credit: Vale