UK-based wind-assisted propulsion provider Anemoi Marine Technologies has achieved a significant milestone by installing five rotor sails on the Sohar Max, a 400,000-dwt Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC). This makes the Sohar Max the largest vessel to incorporate wind propulsion technology to date, according to Offshore Energy.
Environment Benefits
Sohar Max, a Valemax bulk carrier built in 2012, has undergone a significant retrofit. In collaboration with Vale, Asyad, and Anemoi, five large rotor sails were installed on the vessel at COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China. These sails, designed by Anemoi, feature a folding deployment system to minimize interference with cargo handling.
The retrofit is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, with an estimated 6% reduction in fuel consumption and 3,000 tonnes of annual carbon emissions savings.
Sohar Max has recently completed a voyage to Tubarao, marking the beginning of the rotor sail testing phase, which will continue on subsequent voyages.
This project demonstrates a practical approach to reducing emissions in the shipping industry by retrofitting existing vessels with innovative wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
“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 decarbonization of maritime transport of iron ore. This project reinforces this tradition of Vale’s shipping area of investing in innovation and stimulating the modernization of the fleet to reduce emissions, in partnership with shipowners,” Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Director of Shipping, commented.
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Source: Offshore Energy
