Teck and Oldendorff have announced an agreement to use wind propulsion to reduce CO2 emissions in Teck’s supply chain.
In particular, the joint investment will see the vessel Dietrich Oldendorf, which carries shipments of Teck steelmaking coal from the Port of Vancouver, outfitted with a Flettner Rotor system by mid-2024. The Flettner Rotors generate lift from the wind, which is translated into additional thrust, thereby reducing fuel consumption on voyages across the Pacific.
This innovative agreement to utilize wind power in shipping will reduce the carbon footprint in Teck’s supply chain and help advance the development of green transportation corridors
… said Jonathan Price, President and CEO, Teck
According to Oldendorff, the addition of the rotors, along with other emission savings measures, is expected to reduce emissions by 55% resulting in an annual reduction of over 17,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equal to removing 3,500 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road.
The energy transition has begun, and we are prepared to make the necessary joint investments that will provide a meaningful reduction of emissions. Forty years of historical weather data show that the trade between the Pacific Northwest and Asia is one of the best trade lanes for producing reliable wind energy.
… commented Patrick Hutchins, CEO of Oldendorff Carriers
Manufactured by Norsepower, the rotors are constructed in part with recycled materials from approximately 342,000 plastic bottles.
Teck and Oldendorff are also currently piloting the use of biofuel on another bulk carrier as another means to lower emissions.
