Vale to Install Rotor Sails on World’s Largest Ore Carrier
Vale, a leading iron ore producer, has announced that it will install Anemoi Rotor Sails on the Sohar Max VLOC, the world’s largest ore carrier. The five 35-meter-tall, 5-meter-diameter cylindrical sails will be installed on Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, allowing them to be folded from the vertical to mitigate impact on air draught and cargo handling operations. The installation is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.
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 carbon emissions. Vale’s fleet of Valemax vessels typically trade on deep-sea routes between Brazil, China, and the Middle East, which are particularly well-suited for wind propulsion.
As a result, the installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails is expected to bring significant fuel and emission savings, with an expected 6% fuel reduction and cutting CO2 equivalent emissions by up to 3,000 tons per ship per year.
“Wind energy will play a central role in our strategy to decarbonize the maritime transportation of iron ore,” said Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Shipping Technical Manager.
Anemoi has also been appointed by Vale to undertake a full array of technical services both pre and post delivery, including vessel integration design, plan approval, project management, onsite supervision, onboard training, and after-sales services. Classification for the project will be awarded by Lloyd’s Register, who are also providing services related to the equipment design approval and the plan approvals for vessel integration.
“This latest project signifies an important step in Vale’s decarbonisation journey, using wind assisted propulsion as they lead the way to improve the energy effic
Hassan Al Maqbali
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Hassan Al Maqbali is a dedicated content creator and the website manager at Omanspire, where he writes passionately about Oman's culture, history, and the timeless stories that shape the nation’s identity. His work reflects a deep love for the Sultanate and a commitment to sharing its beauty with the world.
Driven by a desire to widen global understanding of Oman, Hassan creates narratives that present the country through diverse perspectives—capturing its people, heritage, landscapes, and evolving cultural heartbeat. Through Omanspire, he hopes to bring readers closer to the spirit of Oman, one story at a time.
