In a bold move towards sustainability, NS United Kaiun Kaisha and Vale International are set to equip the NSU TUBARAO, a mammoth 400,000-dwt very large ore carrier (VLOC), with Anemoi Marine Technologies’ rotor sails. The installation, slated for September 2025, represents not just a technological upgrade but a significant step in the maritime industry’s ongoing battle against climate change. Rotor sails, which harness wind power to generate propulsion, promise to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by a notable 6-12%.
The NSU TUBARAO, which has been under a long-term contract with Vale since its delivery in September 2020, boasts impressive dimensions: 361 meters in length, 65 meters in beam, and a draft of 23 meters. With a deadweight of approximately 399,717 metric tons and a gross tonnage of 197,453, this vessel is a titan of the seas. But size alone doesn’t cut it anymore; efficiency and environmental responsibility are becoming the name of the game.
NS United has been proactive in its quest to enhance vessel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company is not just stopping at rotor sails; it’s also considering a transition to next-generation fuels. This dual approach demonstrates a commitment to innovation and responsibility that the maritime sector desperately needs. As the industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, the NSU TUBARAO’s rotor sails could become a benchmark for future projects, showcasing how traditional shipping can adapt to modern environmental standards.
Kim Diederichsen, CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies, emphasizes the significance of this partnership. He stated, “The installation of Anemoi’s Rotor Sails on NSU TUBARAO, one of the largest vessels in the global fleet, marks another significant step forward for sustainable shipping.” His words resonate with the growing recognition that collaboration is key to tackling maritime decarbonization. The project aligns seamlessly with Vale’s Ecoshipping programme, which aims to reduce scope three emissions by 15% by 2035. This initiative, in tandem with the International Maritime Organization’s goals and the Paris Agreement, highlights a collective industry commitment to a greener future.
Vale’s Ecoshipping programme is not just a buzzword; it’s a comprehensive strategy that also encompasses the integration of multi-fuel tanks on iron ore carriers. Since 2018, Vale has been operating second-generation Valemaxes and Guaibamaxes, vessels that are already recognized as some of the most efficient carriers in the global fleet. The partnership with Mitsui OSK Lines in March 2023 for the installation of Norsepower Rotor Sails on a Capesize bulk carrier further illustrates the momentum building around wind-assisted propulsion technologies.
As we look ahead, the implications of this rotor sails project could ripple through the maritime industry, setting a precedent for other shipowners to follow suit. With the stakes higher than ever, the NSU TUBARAO’s upcoming transformation could redefine what it means to be a responsible player in the maritime sector. It’s not just about moving cargo anymore; it’s about moving towards a sustainable future. The clock is ticking, and the industry must adapt or risk being left behind in a world that increasingly values environmental stewardship.
