U-Ming Marine Transport has signed a significant agreement with Anemoi Marine Technologies, a leading UK-based provider of wind propulsion technology, to install four Rotor Sails on one of its Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC), the Grand Pioneer. This collaboration marks a major step towards enhancing the vessel’s fuel efficiency and supporting U-Ming’s ongoing commitment to sustainability in the maritime sector.
The retrofit, scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, will see the installation of four 35-meter tall, 5-meter diameter cylindrical Rotor Sails. These innovative sails will be fitted with Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, which allows the sails to be folded from vertical to horizontal, reducing the impact on the vessel’s air draught and ensuring smooth cargo handling operations.
The implementation of the Rotor Sails is expected to provide significant fuel and emissions savings, with estimates of around 10-12% fuel reduction on deep-sea voyages between key trade routes, including those between China and Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. These savings will play a crucial role in U-Ming’s ongoing efforts to meet international decarbonization goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
Anemoi’s Role in the Partnership
Anemoi Marine Technologies, recognized for its cutting-edge wind propulsion solutions, is delighted to partner with U-Ming on this groundbreaking project. The company’s Commercial Director, Claes Horndahl, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are proud to supply our market-leading foldable Rotor Sails for Grand Pioneer. This latest investment will significantly reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption and emissions, and we are thrilled to support U-Ming in their efforts to achieve a more sustainable fleet. This agreement also strengthens Anemoi’s position as a leading provider of critical vessel decarbonization technologies.”
U-Ming’s Commitment to Sustainability
Mr. CK Ong, President of U-Ming, highlighted the strategic importance of the project in the company’s broader sustainability agenda. “These state-of-the-art Rotor Sails will complement our existing emission-reducing technologies, including our fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels. Additionally, we are continuing our research into other emission-reduction pathways, such as carbon capture systems and retrofitting conventional vessels to Methanol dual-fuel. We are proud to be working with Anemoi, a like-minded partner, to help us reach our net-zero target and further our environmental commitments.”
This collaboration builds on Anemoi’s successful track record of installing Rotor Sails on various vessels. Notably, in June 2023, Anemoi completed the installation of four Rotor Sails with Rail Deployment Systems aboard an 82,000 DWT Kamsarmax bulk carrier. Another significant retrofit was completed in May 2024, when four folding Rotor Sails were installed on a 388,000 DWT Valemax ore carrier.
The Role of Rotor Sails in Decarbonization
Rotor Sails, also known as Flettner Rotors, are cylindrical structures that utilize the Magnus effect to harness the power of the wind and generate additional thrust, helping vessels reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions. These sails are becoming increasingly popular among ship owners and operators seeking sustainable, net-zero solutions to meet stringent emission reduction targets, such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI/EEXI).
As part of the global push for cleaner maritime solutions, Rotor Sails are proving to be an essential tool for improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions in the shipping industry.
This partnership between U-Ming and Anemoi marks a milestone in the maritime industry‘s ongoing efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. With Rotor Sails playing a key role in this transformation, U-Ming’s fleet is set to become more energy-efficient and better equipped to meet the growing demand for sustainable shipping practices. As the shipping industry continues to embrace innovative technologies like wind-assisted propulsion, this collaboration sets a strong example for future advancements in decarbonization.
For U-Ming, the installation of Rotor Sails on the Grand Pioneer is just one of many steps toward achieving a sustainable future in the shipping industry. With continued investments in cutting-edge technologies, U-Ming is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the global maritime sector, dedicated to reducing its environmental impact while delivering high-performance, energy-efficient solutions.
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