BHP, Pan Pacific Copper (PPC; part of JX Nippon Mining & Metals), and Norsepower will conduct a technical assessment toward retrofitting the combination carrier Koryu with a wind-assisted propulsion system.
The installation of Norsepower's tilting Rotor Sail is scheduled for completion by Q3 2023.
The 53,762 dwt Koryu is employed in Chile-Japan traffic, carrying copper concentrates from the former to the latter and sulphuric acid in the opposite direction.
JX Nippon Mining & Metals has a net-zero CO2 emission by 2050 target, including the reduction of its Scope 3 carbon footprint that covers raw material production and supply chain logistics.
"Identifying and implementing innovative and sustainable solutions through our strong commodity and supply chain partnerships remain essential in supporting BHP's decarbonisation ambitions. We look forward to working with PPC on the wind-assisted propulsion system to enable further GHG emissions reduction in our supply chain and add to the already strong partnership between BHP and PPC," Vandita Pant, BHP's CCO, commented.
Kazuhiro Hori, JX Nippon Mining & Metals' Deputy CEO and PPC's President, added, "PPC and BHP has been sharing the mission to accelerate the activities for decarbonisation in line with our respective climate targets and goals. The Koryu project is a good example of our collaboration and valuable step that proves eagerness by both companies to establish ecosystem partnerships to take on the climate challenge."
Jukka Kuuskoski, Norsepower's CSO, summed up, "Our vision is to set the standard in bringing sailing back to shipping, and empower the maritime industry towards reaching the goal of zero carbon emissions. As fuel prices increase and a carbon levy is initiated, investing in technologies which have proven emissions reductions and fuel savings is essential for long term commercial success. Working with BHP, PPC and Nippon Marine demonstrates the increased commitment to greener operations, particularly within the bulk carrier market. We look forward to completing the installation and seeing the results."
Photo: Norsepower