Scoop: Capesize bulk carrier with rotor sails

MOL and Vale have equipped a Capesize bulk carrier with Norsepower rotor sails. This is the first of its kind, aiming to reduce fuel and greenhouse gas emissions by 6-10%.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) and Vale International SA announced that a 200,000 dwt class bulk carrier, currently in service under a medium-term contract to transport iron ore for Vale, has been successfully refitted with two 35m x 5m Norsepower Rotor Sails and made her first visit to Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.
MOL states that this was the first case in the world where rotor sails were installed on a Capesize bulk carrier. The Camellia Dream is expected to achieve around 6-10% fuel and greenhouse gas emission reductions on its routes from Brazil to the Far East, combined with voyage optimisation technology.
MOL has established the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.” and set the goal of achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. One of the key actions to achieve this goal is the “introduction of clean energy, further energy-saving technologies”, including the installation of wind propulsion systems such as rotor sails and Wind Challengers.

Eco-shipping

Vale is also committed to supporting the maritime industry in achieving IMO’s decarbonisation targets. In line with the ambition of the Paris Agreement, Vale has a target of 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2035, related to the value chain, which includes shipping emissions as the ships are not owned by the company.
Focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernisation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Vale has created the Ecoshipping programme, an R&D initiative based on a strong partnership with ship owners. The company has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (400,000 dwt capacity) since 2018 and Guaibamaxes (325,000 dwt capacity) since 2019 – these vessels are among the most efficient in the world.
As part of its Ecoshipping programme, Vale developed innovative energy efficiency projects, such as the rotor sail project and a pioneering project to incorporate multi-fuel tanks on iron ore vessels.

Read this article at source: Bulk Materials International.

Image: © MOL

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