Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the installation of five rotor sails onboard the 400,000 dwt very large ore carrier (VLOC), ‘Sohar Max’, making it the largest vessel to receive wind propulsion technology to date.
Sohar Max is a first generation Valemax, built in 2012 in China’s Rongsheng shipyard. The project showcased global collaboration between Brazilian mining major Vale, Omani shipowner Asyad and UK-based rotor sail provider Anemoi.
The five 35m tall, 5m diameter rotor sails were retrofitted onboard Sohar Max at the Cosco Zhoushan shipyard in China. In addition, Anemoi has installed its bespoke folding deployment system, which will enable the sails to be folded from vertical to mitigate any impacts on the vessel’s cargo handling operations.
With the installation of the rotor sails, it is expected that Sohar Max will now be able to reduce its fuel consumption by up to 6% and cut carbon emissions by up to 3,000t annually. Sohar Max has now completed a voyage to Tubarao, during which the rotor sail test period began, and testing will continue on future voyages.
Vale 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. This project reinforces this tradition of Vale’s shipping area of investing in innovation and stimulating the modernisation of the fleet to reduce emissions, in partnership with shipowners.”
Nick Contopoulos, Anemoi Chief Production and Partnerships Officer, added: “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. We are thrilled to be a part of Vale and Asyad’s ongoing sustainability plans and to support their efforts in driving decarbonisation across the maritime industry. We extend our deepest thanks to all our partners who made this retrofit possible. Together, we’re advancing meaningful change and driving the industry towards a greener future.”
In October 2024, Vale announced it is set to install Anemoi’s Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt VLOC NSU Tubarao, which is owned by NS United Kaiun Kaisha. The project, which is due for completion in September 2025, is expected to achieve significant reduction of fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
These projects with Vale are the latest in a series of ongoing installation projects Anemoi has with some leading shipowners and operators, which are looking to harness wind energy to increase the efficiency of their vessels by reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. rotor sails are being increasingly embraced by shipowners who are aiming to achieve net-zero emissions and enhance the energy performance of vessels. rotor sails are regarded as a compact technology that offers a large thrust force to propel ships, helping compliance with international emission reduction benchmarks such as CII and EEDI/EEXI.
Image: ‘Sohar Max’ with Anemoi rotor sails (credit: Anemoi Marine Technologies/Vale)
