In a significant leap towards decarbonizing maritime operations, Anemoi Marine Technologies has successfully completed the installation of five Rotor Sails onboard the Sohar Max, a 400,000 dwt Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC). This project makes the Sohar Max the largest vessel to date to adopt wind propulsion technology. Built in 2012 at China’s Rongsheng Shipyard, the Sohar Max is a first-generation Valemax, which is a class of very large vessels primarily used for transporting iron ore.
The retrofitting of the Rotor Sails was completed at the COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard in China in October 2024. The installation marks a key milestone in a global collaboration between Vale S.A., the Brazilian mining giant; Asyad Shipping, an Omani shipowner; and Anemoi Marine Technologies, the UK-based provider of wind propulsion technology. The partnership highlights the growing momentum in the maritime industry towards sustainable practices and the adoption of renewable energy sources.
The five Rotor Sails, each standing 35 meters tall and 5 meters in diameter, have been specifically engineered for large vessels like the Sohar Max. Anemoi also implemented a bespoke folding deployment system that allows the sails to fold from their vertical position to minimize any potential disruption to the vessel’s cargo handling operations. This innovative system ensures that the wind propulsion technology can be efficiently integrated without compromising the ship’s operational needs.
With the Rotor Sails installed, it is anticipated that the Sohar Max will achieve a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 6%, equating to a reduction of approximately 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The vessel recently completed a voyage to Tubarao, Brazil, where the testing phase of the Rotor Sails began, and further trials are scheduled for upcoming voyages to assess the technology’s ongoing performance.
This project forms part of Vale’s broader strategy to decarbonize its maritime transport operations. Since 2010, Vale has been at the forefront of adopting efficient shipping technologies and promoting initiatives to integrate wind energy into its fleet. This collaboration with Anemoi reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation and its role in reducing emissions from its shipping operations. As Rodrigo Bermelho, Director of Shipping at Vale, stated, “This project reinforces Vale’s tradition of investing in innovation and stimulating fleet modernization to reduce emissions, in partnership with shipowners.”
Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production & Partnerships Officer at Anemoi Marine Technologies, expressed his excitement about the project’s success, saying, “This is an exciting landmark project for Anemoi, and for wind propulsion in general. It demonstrates the significant impact wind energy can have on even the largest vessels. We are thrilled to be a part of Vale and Asyad Shipping’s ongoing sustainability plans and support their efforts in driving decarbonization across the maritime industry.”
Anemoi’s collaboration with Vale does not stop with the Sohar Max. In October 2024, Vale also announced plans to install Rotor Sails on the NSU Tubarao, another 400,000 dwt VLOC, owned by NS United Kaiun Kaisha. This installation, scheduled for completion in September 2025, is expected to deliver similar reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The Sohar Max retrofit is just one in a series of installation projects Anemoi is undertaking with some of the world’s leading shipowners and operators, all aiming to harness wind energy to improve vessel efficiency. The Rotor Sails technology has gained increasing attention for its ability to provide a large thrust force to propel vessels, making it a powerful tool for achieving compliance with key international emission reduction standards such as CII (Carbon Intensity Indicator) and EEDI/EEXI (Energy Efficiency Design Index).
With wind propulsion technologies like Rotor Sails gaining traction across the industry, the maritime sector is steadily advancing toward the goal of net-zero emissions, ensuring cleaner, greener shipping operations in the years ahead.
About Anemoi Marine Technologies
Anemoi is a leading provider of Rotor Sails to the shipping industry, offering energy-saving technology that delivers significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Their Rotor Sails have been shown to reduce CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions by up to 30%, contributing to more efficient and eco-friendly ships. Through extensive research and development, Anemoi has commercialized its Rotor Sail technology for widespread adoption across multiple sectors, with its patented design overcoming operational challenges and ensuring compatibility with a range of vessel types.
As the shipping industry strives to meet its environmental targets, Anemoi’s innovative solutions are playing a crucial role in driving the sector toward a sustainable future.
Source Anemoi Marine Technologies