Anemoi Marine Technologies has finalised the installation of five Rotor Sails on the NSU Tubarao, a 400,000-deadweight tonne (DWT) ore carrier.
The vessel is owned and operated by NS United Kaiun Kaisha (NSU) and chartered by Vale International.
The Rotor Sail installation was completed during scheduled drydocking at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China this October. This project marks Anemoi’s fourth retrofit of very large ore carriers (VLOCs) working under Vale charters and pushes the number of DWT fitted with its Rotor Sails past 1.6 million.
The five Rotor Sails, each measuring 35m in height and 5m in diameter, have been installed using a tilting mechanism to allow flexibility during cargo operations.
NSU Tubarao , delivered in September 2020 and measuring 361m in length with a beam of 65m, is among the world’s largest bulk carriers. It is primarily deployed for iron ore transport under a long-term charter to Vale.
The vessel is projected to achieve a reduction in annual fuel consumption by 6% to 12% following the implementation of wind-assisted propulsion technology.
NSU managing executive officer and director Toru Fujita said: “At NSU we aim to support our stakeholders with the world’s most efficient ships.
“The Rotor Sails on NSU Tubarao, and the advanced systems that will help maximise its fuel-saving potential, are a perfect example of those efforts.”
Alongside the Rotor Sails, NSU Tubarao has been equipped with a new shaft generator designed to improve energy performance and optimise fuel consumption when using wind-powered systems.
Anemoi has integrated its technology with the vessel’s power systems to ensure operational coordination between wind propulsion and onboard energy management.
NSU has incorporated digital solutions such as Manta’s FuelOpt system for main engine power management and NAPA’s Voyage Optimisation toolbox.
These technologies are intended to enhance fuel efficiency by adjusting power usage and routing based on prevailing wind conditions, while maintaining voyage schedules.
Anemoi CEO Clare Urmston said: “The scale of this project shows the market’s growing confidence in wind power as a crucial enabler of lower emission shipping.
“Working with progressive partners like NSU, Vale and Class NK, we are able to advance Rotor Sail technology and show how optimising propulsion integration and navigation for wind assistance can deliver even greater benefits.”
Vale has stated its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with International Maritime Organization goals.
The company has set a target of achieving a 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2035 across its value chain, which includes emissions from chartered shipping.
In August this year, Anemoi secured funding from the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).
The £1.2m ($1.59m) project is dedicated to developing a "next-generation folding sail system" tailored for Kamsarmax and Panamax bulk carriers, with the goal of improving fuel efficiency through advanced aerodynamic design.
