Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and Vale International SA announced that a 200,000-ton class bulk carrier, currently employed under a mid–term contract for transportation of iron ore for Vale, has been successfully retrofitted with two 35m x 5m Norsepower Rotor SailsTM and marked its first call at Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.
This is the world’s first case of rotor sails on a capesize bulk carrier. The vessel is expected to achieve about 6-10% fuel and GHG emissions reductions on Brazil – Far East routes, combined with voyage optimisation technology.
MOL has established the “MOL Group Environmental Vision 2.2.” and has set the target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. One of the key actions to achieve this target is the “introduction of clean energy, further energy-saving technologies,” which includes installing wind propulsion systems such as rotor sails and Wind Challengers.
As explained, MOL Group will contribute not only to the reduction of GHG emissions from its own group, but also to the reduction and decarbonization of society as a whole through the safe management and efficient operation of its environmentally friendly fleet that combines wind propulsion technology.
Focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernization to reduce GHG emissions, Vale created the Ecoshipping program, a R&D initiative based on a strong partnership with shipowners.
