NSU to install Rotor sails to Valemax VLOC
NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (NSU) and Vale International SA (Vale) have reached an agreement to install rotor sails (H:35m x D:5m x 5 units) manufactured by Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (Anemoi) on the 400,000dwt-type Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), NSU TUBARAO. This vessel has been engaged in a long-term transportation contract between NSU and Vale since its delivery in September 2020. The installation of the rotor sails is scheduled around September 2025.
A rotor sail is a device that generates propulsion using the pressure difference created around a rotating cylindrical sail installed on the deck. The installation of the rotor sails is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from the ship by approximately 6-12%.
NSU has been actively working to improve the efficiency of its vessels and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the introduction of energy-saving devices such as rotor sails, as well as by transitioning to ships powered by next-generation fuels.
The Vessel’s Details:
Name: NSU TUBARAO
Dimensions: LOA 361.0m x Beam 65.0m x Depth 30.2m x Draft 23.0m
Deadweight: 399,717 MT
Gross Tonnage: 197,453
Vale is committed to supporting the maritime industry in achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization targets. Aligned with the ambition of the Paris Agreement, Vale also targets a 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2035, which includes emissions from shipping since the ships are not owned by the company. Vale is focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernization to reduce GHG emissions. In this effort, Vale created the Eco-shipping program, an R&D initiative based on a strong partnership with shipowners.
Since 2018, Vale has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (400,000 tons capacity) and, since 2019, Guaibamaxes (325,000 tons capacity) – vessels among the most efficient in the world. As part of the Eco-shipping program, Vale developed innovative energy-efficient projects, such as the rotor sails project, and a pioneering project to incorporate multi-fuel tanks on iron ore carriers.
Anemoi is a leading provider of rotor sails to the shipping industry. Its energy-saving technology offers significant reductions in fuel consumption and lowers CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, delivering more efficient ships.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 46 No.6 Issue last December 31, 2024.
