London, United Kingdom | October 1, 2025 – In a landmark achievement that marks a significant step forward in sustainable shipping, U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation (U-Ming) and Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (Anemoi) have announced the successful installation of Anemoi’s Rotor Sail technology aboard the Grand Pioneer, a 325,000 DWT Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC). The retrofit was completed at the COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard, ushering in a new era of clean propulsion for Taiwan’s maritime sector.
This milestone represents not only a technological success but also a strategic shift in the industry, as U-Ming becomes the first Taiwanese shipowner to adopt Rotor Sails—a decision that underscores the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and innovation.
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Pioneering Wind-Assisted Propulsion: A First for Taiwan
The Grand Pioneer now features four of Anemoi’s advanced folding (tilting) Rotor Sails, each standing 35 metres tall and 5 metres in diameter. Designed for operational flexibility and ease of integration, these Rotor Sails are capable of significantly reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, a crucial development as the industry accelerates toward IMO 2050 targets.
Transported fully assembled and dynamically balanced from Anemoi’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the Yangtze River, the Rotor Sails were delivered by barge directly to the COSCO Zhoushan yard. In a streamlined plug-and-play installation process unique to Anemoi, the sails were lifted directly onto the deck and fixed in place—a procedure completed in just 1.5 days. An additional five days were required for commissioning and testing, aligning seamlessly with the vessel’s scheduled dry-docking in September 2025.
Onboard Expertise and Seamless Integration
Anemoi’s technical specialists were on site throughout the installation and will remain onboard during the Grand Pioneer‘s maiden voyage from Zhoushan to Singapore. Their presence ensures that U-Ming’s crew receive hands-on training and complete operational handover, allowing the vessel’s seafarers to operate the Rotor Sails with full confidence from day one.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Shipping
“The installation of Rotor Sails on Grand Pioneer marks an important step in U-Ming’s decarbonisation journey and reflects our belief that the future of global shipping must be both sustainable and competitive. Through our collaboration with Anemoi, we are turning strategy into action—reducing emissions, enhancing efficiency, and delivering long-term value. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation and to the industry’s shared ambition of achieving net zero by 2050.”
said Mr. Jeff Hsu, Vice Chairman of U-Ming.
“We are proud to have delivered another successful Rotor Sail installation, providing fully assembled technology that minimises yard time and maximises customer value. U-Ming’s pioneering decision to implement this solution, especially as the first shipowner in Taiwan to do so, highlights their leadership and ambition. Our collaboration reflects the growing momentum behind wind propulsion as a critical decarbonisation pathway, and we look forward to analysing performance data from upcoming voyages.”
said Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi Marine Technologies.
Operational Impact and Emissions Reductions
Following the retrofit, Grand Pioneer will return to service on its established deep-sea route between Brazil and China, operating under a long-term charter with Brazilian mining giant Vale. With the Rotor Sails deployed, the vessel is projected to achieve annual fuel and emissions reductions of 10–12% on average, demonstrating the substantial environmental and economic advantages of wind-assisted propulsion.
Setting a Benchmark for the Global Fleet
This successful collaboration between U-Ming and Anemoi highlights the power of cross-sector partnerships in advancing practical, impactful decarbonisation strategies. It also sets a new benchmark for the global bulk carrier sector, reinforcing that innovative, commercially viable technologies are ready to play a leading role in the shipping industry’s low-carbon transition.
As shipowners, charterers, and technology providers rally toward achieving net-zero goals, the Rotor Sail installation aboard Grand Pioneer serves as a clear signal: the future of shipping is being written now—by those bold enough to lead.
About U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation (UMTC)
Established in 1984 and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange since 1990, U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation (UMTC) is a global shipping leader specializing in dry bulk, raw material, and energy transportation. Driven by the Far Eastern Group’s core values—Sincerity, Diligence, Thrift, Prudence, and Innovation—U-Ming aims to be the first choice for customers, employees, and investors, while leading the industry toward a cleaner, more resilient future.
About Anemoi Marine Technologies
Anemoi is a global leader in wind propulsion technology, specialising in the design and deployment of Rotor Sails that deliver measurable reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Capable of cutting CO₂, SOx, and NOx emissions by up to 30%, Anemoi’s systems provide a scalable, commercially proven solution for vessels across a broad range of sectors.
With deep roots in the bulk carrier segment, Anemoi’s patented, folding Rotor Sail technology has been engineered to meet the operational realities of modern shipping—combining efficiency, safety, and ease of integration. As the industry moves towards greener, more sustainable practices, Anemoi remains at the forefront of innovation, offering a practical pathway to a cleaner maritime future.
Source: Anemoi Marine Technologies