NSU and Vale Collaborate to Install Rotor Sails for Cleaner Shipping
NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (NSU) and Vale International SA (Vale) have joined forces to reduce emissions and make shipping more eco-friendly. The two companies announced their plan to install rotor sails on the 400,000 dwt VLOC ship called NSU Tubarao. These large rotor sails, made by Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd., will be added to the ship by September 2025.
What Are Rotor Sails?
Rotor sails are tall, rotating cylinders installed on a ship’s deck. They work by using the wind and air pressure to push the ship forward, reducing the amount of fuel the ship needs. With these sails in place, the NSU Tubarao is expected to cut fuel use and CO2 emissions by 6-12%.
NSU’s Green Shipping Goals
NSU has been actively finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By adding energy-saving technologies like rotor sails and exploring next-generation fuel-powered ships, NSU hopes to make its fleet more eco-friendly and meet global climate goals.
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Vale’s Commitment to Clean Shipping
Vale, a global mining company, is also committed to reducing pollution from the ships used in its supply chain. Although Vale does not own these ships, it works closely with shipowners to meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO)‘s climate goals.
Vale has set a target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 15% by 2035. This target includes emissions from activities like shipping, which are part of the company’s supply chain. Vale’s Ecoshipping program focuses on researching and adopting new technologies to reduce GHG emissions.
Since 2018, Vale has been using Valemax ships (400,000-ton capacity) and Guaibamax vessels (325,000-ton capacity). These ships are known for being some of the most fuel-efficient vessels in the world. Through its Ecoshipping program, Vale continues to explore new ways to save energy, including rotor sails and multi-fuel tank systems on iron ore carriers.
Anemoi Marine Technologies and Rotor Sails
Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. specializes in creating rotor sails for ships. Their advanced technology helps reduce fuel consumption and lowers harmful emissions like CO2, sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These sails are part of a growing trend in the maritime industry, helping shipping companies meet stricter environmental standards.
A Step Toward Cleaner Oceans
By adding rotor sails to the NSU Tubarao, NSU and Vale are leading the way toward sustainable shipping. The installation marks another step in the global push to decarbonize the maritime industry and meet international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement. With the combined efforts of NSU, Vale, and Anemoi, the shipping industry is moving closer to a future of low-emission, fuel-efficient vessels.