Anemoi retrofits VLOC with Rotor Sails

The 400,000 DWT NSU Tubarao is owned by Japan’s NS United Kaiun Kaisha and chartered by Vale International and is the fourth of Vale’s VLOCs to receive Rotor Sails, pushing Anemoi’s total installed tonnage beyond 1.6 million DWT.

“The scale of this project shows the market’s growing confidence in wind power as a crucial enabler of lower emission shipping,” said Clare Urmston, chief executive of Anemoi Marine Technologies.

“Working with progressive partners like NSU, Vale and ClassNK, we are able to advance Rotor Sail technology and demonstrate how propulsion integration and navigation optimisation can deliver even greater benefits.”

The installation – which is expected to cut annual fuel consumption by between 6 and 12% – was completed in October during a scheduled drydocking at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China. Each Rotor Sail features a tilting mechanism to ensure operational flexibility during cargo handling

NSU has coupled the Rotor Sails with digital optimisation tools to maximise energy efficiency. Manta’s FuelOpt system enables real-time power management, while NAPA’s Voyage Optimisation software helps plan routes that make the best use of prevailing winds.

During the same drydocking, the NSU Tubarao was also fitted with a new shaft generator, improving onboard energy performance.

“At NSU we aim to support our stakeholders with the world’s most efficient ships,” said Toru Fujita, director and managing executive officer of NSU.

“The Rotor Sails on NSU Tubarao perfectly illustrate that ambition and the power of strong collaboration.”