World’s first installation of rotor sails on a Capesize bulk carrier

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Vale International SA announced that a 200,000 dwt 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 Sails and marked its first call at Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.

MOL states that this was the world’s first case of rotor sails installed on a Capesize bulk carrier. The Camellia Dream 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 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.

Vale is also committed to supporting the maritime industry in achieving the IMO decarbonization targets. Aligned with the ambition of the Paris Agreement, Vale has a target of a 15% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2035, related to the value chain, of which shipping emissions are part since the ships are not owned by the company.

Focused on adopting and leveraging technologies and fleet modernization to reduce GHG emissions, Vale created the Ecoshipping program, an R&D initiative based on a strong partnership with shipowners. Since 2018, the company has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (capacity of 400,000 dwt) and, since 2019, Guaibamaxes (capacity of 325,000 dwt) – these vessels are among the most efficient in the world.

As part of the Ecoshipping program, Vale developed innovative energy-efficient projects, such as the rotor sails project, and a pioneering project to incorporate multi-fuel tanks on iron ore carriers.