NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (NSU) and Vale International SA (Vale) have announced an agreement to install rotor sails (H: 35m x D: 5m, 5 units) manufactured by Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (Anemoi), on the 400,000 dwt Valemax VLOC, NSU TUBARAO.
This vessel, delivered in September 2020, is part of a long-term transportation contract between the two companies. The installation is scheduled for around September 2025, marking the first time rotor sails will be deployed on a Valemax-class ore carrier.
(Text by Hiro Yamamoto)
Photo courtesy= NSU
A rotor sail is a cylindrical device installed on the deck, generating propulsion by taking advantage of the pressure difference created as it rotates. The system is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by approximately 6–12%.
NSU is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by actively incorporating energy-saving technologies like rotor sails and transitioning to vessels powered by next-generation fuels.
■Vessel Details
-Name: NSU TUBARAO
– Dimensions: LOA 361.0m x Beam 65.0m x Depth 30.2m x Draft 23.0m
– Deadweight: 399,717 MT
– Gross Tonnage: 197,453
Vale is actively supporting the maritime sector in achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals. The company has set a target to reduce scope 3 emissions—covering the entire value chain, including shipping—by 15% by 2035, in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
To meet these goals, Vale has prioritized fleet modernization and adopting new technologies through its EcoShipping program, an R&D initiative in collaboration with shipowners. Since 2018, Vale has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (400,000 dwt) and Guaibamaxes (325,000 dwt), some of the most efficient vessels in the world.
As part of this effort, Vale has also explored innovative projects, including the rotor sail installation and developing multi-fuel tank systems for its ore carriers.
Anemoi Marine Technologies, a leader in rotor sail technology, offers energy-saving solutions that significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx, helping to create more sustainable and efficient shipping operations.
〆NSユナイテッド海運（NS United Kaiun Kaisha, NSU)、40万重量㌧型鉱石船のヴァーレマックスにローターセイルを搭載。
NSユナイテッド海運とVale International SA （本社：スイス、ヴァーレ社） は２０２４年１０月１７日、両社間の鉱石輸送契約に配船されている40万トン型鉱石船「NSU TUBARAO」（2020 年 9 月竣工）にAnemoi Marine Technologies Ltd（本社：英国 、アネモイ社） 製のローターセイル（円筒型風力補助推進装置、高さ35ｍ、直径5m、5基）を搭載することに合意しましたと発表した。同船 へのローターセイル搭載 は 2025 年 9 月頃を予定している。ヴァーレマックス級の超大型鉱石専用船にローターセイルを搭載するのは初めてとみられる。
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