In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable shipping, Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A. has unveiled plans to install Anemoi Rotor Sails on the world’s largest ore carrier, a colossal 400,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) Valemax owned by Omani shipowner, Asyad. This collaboration between Vale and Anemoi marks a pivotal moment in maritime innovation, positioning the Valemax as the proud bearer of the most extensive wind propulsion installation ever.
Rotor Sails: Wind-Assisted Propulsion
The agreement entails the integration of five 35-meter tall, 5-meter diameter Rotor Sails onto the Sohar Max VLOC. These cylindrical sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors,’ are at the forefront of wind-assisted propulsion technology, leveraging wind power to enhance forward thrust and elevate vessel energy efficiency. Anemoi’s innovative folding deployment system allows these sails to be neatly folded from a vertical position, minimizing the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations. The meticulous installation process is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2024.
Green Gains: Fuel Reduction and Emission Cuts
Vale’s fleet of Valemax vessels predominantly traverses deep-sea routes connecting Brazil, China, and the Middle East—routes well-suited for wind propulsion. The incorporation of Anemoi Rotor Sails is anticipated to yield substantial fuel and emission savings. Projections indicate an impressive 6% reduction in fuel consumption, accompanied by a commendable cut of up to 3,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per ship annually.
Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Shipping Technical Manager, emphasized the centrality of wind energy in their strategy, stating, “Wind energy will play a central role in our strategy to decarbonize the maritime transportation of iron ore.”
Anemoi’s Tailored Solutions and Collaborative Endeavors
Anemoi, a leading player in wind-assisted propulsion technology, has been developing tailored solutions for Vale’s vessels for years. Nick Contopoulos, Anemoi’s COO, expressed delight in the partnership, highlighting its significance in Vale’s decarbonization journey. This collaboration represents a strategic move by Vale to enhance the energy efficiency of their vessels and reduce net emissions through wind-assisted propulsion.
The project also underscores Anemoi’s commitment to a world-class supply chain, leveraging partnerships with key Chinese entities like CSSC Chengxi, Lianyungang Zhongfu Lianzhong Composite Material Group, CRRC Corporation, and SaierNico Electric & Automation. Vale has entrusted Anemoi not only with the supply of Rotor Sails but also with comprehensive technical services, including vessel integration design, project management, onsite supervision, and post-delivery support.
Lloyd Register’s Stamp of Approval
Lloyd Register, a renowned classification society, will play a crucial role in this venture. They will award the project the necessary classification, providing services related to Equipment Design Approval and Plan Approvals for vessel integration. This collaboration reflects the industry-wide acknowledgment of the significance of wind-assisted propulsion in achieving emission reduction targets.
Charting a Course for the Future
This ambitious project follows Anemoi’s recent success in retrofitting three Rotor Sails with Rail Deployment Systems on an 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier in June 2023. Initial data from this endeavor suggest more than a 10% average annual savings—a testament to the effectiveness of Rotor Sails in achieving tangible results.
As Rotor Sails gain popularity among ship owners striving for net-zero technologies and compliance with international emission reduction targets, including EEDI/ EEXI and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), Vale’s venture stands out as a beacon of sustainable progress in the maritime industry.