Anemoi Marine Technologies has completed a retrofit on the 400,000 DWT ore carrier NSU TUBARAO with the installation of five 35m-tall Rotor Sails across the vessel.
Owned by bulk owner/operator NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (NSU) and chartered by Vale International; the vessel is now expected to operate at a reduced fuel consumption rate of 6-12% annually with the help of the wind-assisted propulsion system.
The completion of the installation has seen Anemoi surpass 1.6 million DWT of vessel tonnage fitted with Rotor Sails.
Clare Urmston, CEO of Anemoi, said:The scale of this project shows the market’s growing confidence in wind power as a crucial enabler of lower emission shipping.
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 vessel is now currently operating under a long-term charter to transport iron ore for Vale, with the retrofit having been completed during scheduled drydocking in October at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard Co.,Ltd, China.
NSU combined Rotor Sails with digital solutions optimising power usage and vessel routing, allowing for enhanced fuel efficiency on NSU TUBARAO, as well as the maximising of the use of wind energy.
The use of Manta’s FuelOpt allows for flexibility with regards to power management of the main engine, including optimisation of fuel saved, which, coupled with NAPA’s Voyage Optimisation toolbox, enables the vessel to reap the maximum benefits of favourable winds without compromising on departure or arrival times.
During its retrofit; the NSU TUBARAO was also equipped with a new shaft generator, which aims to enhance the vessel’s overall efficiency. The Rotor Sails were then integrated with the generator through an advanced control system, allowing for coordination between wind propulsion and onboard power supply.
