The auxiliary wind propulsion system for the 325k dwt ore carrier, owned by Pan Ocean Ship Management, will comprise five 24 m-high, 4.0 m in diameter, and tiltable rotors.

"Norsepower has analysed the routes for the vessel chartered by Vale and estimates that its technology would be able to achieve an efficiency gain of up to 8% and a consequent reduction of up to 3,400 tons of CO2 per year," the Finnish tech company stated in a press release.

Rodrigo Bermelho, Shipping Technical Manager at Vale, added, "We are working with Norsepower to ensure this new build is as environmentally friendly as possible and can achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. If the pilot proves effective, it is estimated that at least 40% of the fleet will be able to use the technology, which would result in a reduction of almost 1.5% of Vale's annual iron ore maritime transport emissions."

Vale's charter will be the first dry bulker to be equipped with Norsepower's solution.

Photo: Vale