Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Vale International have announced that a 200,000 dwt class bulk carrier, currently employed under a mid–term contract for transportation of iron ore for Vale, has been successfully retrofitted with two 35m x 5m Norsepower rotor sails and marked its first call at Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.
This is believed to be the world’s first case of rotor sails on a capesize bulk carrier. The vessel is expected to achieve reductions of about 6%-10% in fuel and GHG emissions on Brazil – Far East routes, combined with voyage optimisation technology.
MOL has set a target of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050. One of the key actions to achieve this target is the introduction of clean energy and further energy-saving technologies, which include installing wind propulsion such as rotor sails and the Wind Challenger wind-assisted propulsion system.
Vale is committed to supporting the maritime industry in achieving the IMO decarbonisation targets. Aligned with the ambition of the Paris Agreement, Vale 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 programme, 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 dwt) and, since 2019, Guaibamaxes (capacity of 325,000 dwt) – these vessels are considered among the most efficient in the world. As part of the Ecoshipping program, Vale has developed innovative energy-efficient projects, such as the rotor sails project, and a pioneering project to incorporate multi-fuel tanks on iron ore carriers.
MOL and Vale will continue to work towards both the stable transportation of iron ore and the reduction of GHG emissions.
Image: The Rotor Sails-equipped bulk carrier ‘Camellia Dream’ in operation (source: MOL)
