Anemoi rotor sails selected for Vale-operated 400K dwt ore carrier

Japanese shipping company NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NS United) and Brazilian mining giant Vale will equip a 400,000 dwt very large ore carrier (VLOC) with rotor sails manufactured by UK-based wind-assisted propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies.

Under the agreement, NS United and Vale will install Anemoi’s five 35-meter-high rotor sails on the NSU Tubarao ore carrier, which has been on a long-term transportation contract between NS United and Vale since its delivery in September 2020.

The parties plan to complete the installation of the rotor sails on NSU Tubarao around September 2025.

The rotor sails, which use the pressure difference generated around a cylinder by rotating a cylindrical sail installed on the deck, are expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from the ship by approximately 6~12%.

Introducing energy-saving devices such as rotor sails and transitioning to ships powered by next-generation fuels are part of NS United’s strategy to make its vessels more efficient and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“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,” said Kim Diederichsen, CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies

“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.”

Rotor sails are proving a popular choice for ship owners looking for net-zero technologies to improve the energy efficiency of their vessels and help their ships meet critical international emission reduction targets, including EEDI/ EEXI and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).

In September 2024, Anemoi received a type approval design certificate from Norway-based classification society DNV for its rotor sail design measuring 5 meters in diameter and 35 in height.

Vale also plans to install Anemoi’s 5×35 rotor sails onboard the 400,000 dwt VLOC Sohar Max, owned by Omani company Asyad, by the end of this year.