MOL and Vale Upgrade Bulk Carriers with Rotor Sails for Efficiency

Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Vale International SA have completed the successful retrofit of a 200,000 ton class bulk carrier with two Norsepower Rotor Sails™, making it the first Capesize bulk carrier in the world to have this technology installed. The Camellia Dream, which is contracted by Vale to transport iron ore, recently docked in Ponta da Madeira, Brazil, after being fitted with two 35m x 5m Norsepower rotor sails. This retrofit is expected to result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of 6-10% on routes between Brazil and the Far East.

Norsepower Rotor Sails utilize the Magnus effect to generate forward thrust, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. With over 300,000 hours of verified performance data, this technology has shown fuel savings ranging from 5-25% in various sectors of the marine industry over the past decade. MOL, a prominent shipping company with a large fleet of vessels, has incorporated this technology as part of its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligned with its environmental vision emphasizing the use of clean energy and energy-saving technologies.

Vale, on the other hand, aims to reduce its Scope 3 emissions by 15% by 2035 and has been actively involved in driving innovations like the Norsepower Rotor Sails through its Ecoshipping program. This research and development initiative in collaboration with shipowners has been crucial in pushing forward sustainable solutions for reducing emissions in the shipping industry. By embracing such technologies, MOL and Vale are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in the maritime sector.

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