NS United to install Anemoi Rotor Sails on 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 400,000dwt-type VLOC, NSU TUBARAO(the Ship), which 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 on the ship is scheduled around September 2025.

 

A rotor sail is a device to obtain propulsion by using the pressure difference generated around a cylinder by rotating a cylindrical sail installed on the deck. It is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from the Ship by approximately 6~12%

 

NSU has been actively working to make their vessels more efficient and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the introduction of energy-saving devices such as rotor sails and by transitioning to ships powered by next-generation fuels.

The Vessel’s details

 

Name: NSU TUBARAO

Dimensions: LOA 361.0m x Beam 65.0 m x Depth 30.2 m x Draft 23.0 m

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 has a target of a 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2035, related to the value chain, of which shipping emissions are part, since the ships are not owned by the company. Focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernization to reduce GHG emissions, Vale created the Ecoshipping program, a R&D initiative based on a strong partnership with shipowners. Since 2018, the company has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (capacity of 400,000 tons) and, since 2019, Guaibamaxes (capacity of 325,000 tons) – these vessels are among the most efficient in the world. As part of the Ecoshipping 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 to deliver more efficient ships.

The installation of Anemoi's Rotor Sails on NSU TUBARAO, one of the largest vessels in the global fleet, marks another significant step forward for sustainable shipping. It's heartening to see industry leaders like NS United and Vale embracing innovative solutions to meet maritime's environmental challenges. This latest project once again underscores the importance of collaboration in driving maritime decarbonisation. By working closely with our partners, Anemoi is turning ambitious sustainability targets into tangible results, paving the way for a greener future in global shipping.  
Kim Diederichsen
CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies