Anemoi clocks up another big bulker

UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed the retrofit of five rotor sails on the 400,000dwt ore carrier, NSU Tubarao. The five-year-old 361m-long vessel, owned by Japan’s NS United Kaiun Kaisha, is on charter to Brazilian iron ore mining company, Vale.

The five 35m-high sails, which were installed during a scheduled October docking in Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard, China, are expect to cut the bulk carrier’s fuel consumption by 6-12%. The sails are deployed using a tilting mechanism for cargo handling flexibility.

The Japanese owner has combined the sail installation with digital systems to optimise power use and vessel routing. Engine power will be optimised with the support of Oslo-based Manta Marine Technology’s FuelOpt system, and voyage efficiency will be assured through the use of Napa’s Voyage Optimisation system. The combination will ensure maximum voyage economy within set departure and arrival times.

A new shaft generator was also installed during the ship’s survey. This will optimise fuel consumption when the Anemoi sails are in use through a carefully integrated control system.

“The scale of this project shows the market’s growing confidence in wind power as a crucial enabler of lower emission shipping,” declared Clare Urmston, Anemoi CEO. “Working with progressive partners like NSU, Vale and Class NK, we are able to advance rotor sail technology and show how optimising propulsion integration and navigation for wind assistance can deliver even greater benefits.”

The NSU Tubarao is the fourth very large ore carrier chartered by Vale to be fitted with Anemoi sails.