Anemoi Marine Technologies - Experts & Thought Leaders

Latest Anemoi Marine Technologies news & announcements

Anemoi Marine's rotor sails for Sohar Max vessel

Anemoi Marine Technologies 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. Rotor Sails The project showcased the global collaboration between Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A., Omani shipowner Asyad, and UK-based Rotor Sail provider Anemoi. The five 35 m tall, 5 m diametre Rotor Sails were retrofitted onboard Sohar Max at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China, in October 2024. In addition, Anemoi has installed its bespoke folding deployment system, which will enable sails to be folded vertically to mitigate any impacts on the vessel’s cargo handling operations.  6% fuel savings Sohar Max has just completed a voyage to Tubarao, during which the rotor sail test period began With the installation of the Rotor Sails, it is expected that Sohar Max will be able to reduce its fuel consumption by up to 6% and cut carbon emissions by up to 3,000 tonnes annually. Sohar Max has just completed a voyage to Tubarao, during which the rotor sail test period began and testing will continue on future voyages. Decarbonisation of maritime transport “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,” says Vale’s Director of Shipping, Rodrigo Bermelho. “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.” Wind energy “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,” said Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production & Partnerships Officer of Anemoi Marine Technologies. “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.” Reducing carbon emissions The project is expected to achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions “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,” he added. In October 2024, Vale announced it is also 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 a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. CII and EEDI/EEXI These projects with Vale are the latest in a series of ongoing installation projects Anemoi has with some of the world’s biggest 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 is a compact technology that offers a large thrust force to propel ships, helping them comply with pivotal international emission reduction benchmarks such as CII and EEDI/EEXI.

Anemoi and U-Ming partnership for Rotor Sails

Pioneering wind-propulsion technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (“Anemoi”) and U-Ming Marine Transport Ltd.’s (“U-Ming”) have signed an agreement to install four Rotor Sails on one of U-Ming’s 325,000 DWT Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC). The installation work is expected to be completed at the end of 2025, with fuel and emission savings of approximately 10-12% anticipated on deep-sea routes between China and Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. Anemoi’s deployment system The vessel will be retrofitted with four of Anemoi’s 35 m tall, 5 m in diameter, cylindrical sails The vessel will be retrofitted with four of Anemoi’s 35 m tall, 5 m in diameter, cylindrical sails. The Rotor Sails will also be installed with Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, whereby the sails can be folded from vertical to mitigate the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations. Claes Horndahl, Commercial Director at Anemoi said, “Anemoi is delighted to partner with U-Ming to supply our market-pioneering foldable Rotor Sails for Grand Pioneer." Decarbonisation strategy Horndahl added: "With significant fuel and emissions savings forecasted, this latest investment will further enhance the international recognition of U-Ming’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and Anemoi’s position as a pioneering provider of critical vessel decarbonisation technology.” Mr. CK Ong, President of U-Ming said: "Congratulations to the teams at Anemoi and U-Ming on this significant partnership. These state-of-the-art rotor sails will play a key role in our decarbonisation strategy and will complement our portfolio of existing emission reducing technologies, including a fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels." Installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails The retrofit of four folding Rotor Sails aboard a 388,000 dwt Valemax ore carrier in May 2024 Ong added: "In addition, we will continue to research other emission-lowering pathways such as carbon capture systems and retrofitting conventional vessels to Methanol dual-fuel. We look forward to continuing working with like-minded partners, like Anemoi, to help us reach our target of net zero." This latest announcement follows the successful installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails on various vessels, including four Anemoi Rotor Sails with Rail Deployment Systems aboard an 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier in June 2023, and the retrofit of four folding Rotor Sails aboard a 388,000 dwt Valemax ore carrier in May 2024. Net-zero technologies Rotor Sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are vertical cylinders that harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust and improve the energy efficiency of the vessel, along with significant cuts to harmful emissions. Rotor Sails are proving a popular choice amongst ship owners seeking net-zero technologies to enhance the energy efficiency of their vessels and aid their ships in meeting critical international emission reduction targets, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and EEDI/EEXI.

Vale's rotor sails project: Energy efficiency focus

NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. and Vale International SA have reached an agreement to install rotor sails (H:35 m x D:5 m x 5 unites) manufactured by Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. on 400,000 dwt-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 for around September 2025. Greenhouse gas emissions NSU has been actively working to make their vessels more efficient and reduce their GHG emissions 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. 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 Scope 3 emissions by 2035 Vale is committed to supporting the maritime industry in achieving the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) decarbonisation 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. Fleet modernisation Focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernisation to reduce GHG emissions Focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernisation 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. Reductions in fuel consumption 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 pioneering 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.

vfd