Anemoi Marine Technologies has successfully completed the installation of five rotor sails on the mineral cargo vessel Sohar Max , a 400,000 dwt VLOC (Very Large Ore Carrier), in what is considered the largest wind propulsion project in history. This breakthrough places the Sohar Max as the largest vessel to date to adopt wind propulsion technology , a crucial measure in the fight against carbon emissions in the maritime industry.
The project was the result of an international collaboration between Brazilian mining giant Vale, Omani operator Asyad and UK-based wind technology provider Anemoi. The five rotor sails, measuring 35 metres in height and 5 metres in diameter, were installed at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China in October 2024. This technology, specifically designed to harness wind energy, is a further step towards the decarbonisation of maritime transport .
Rotor sails on board the Sohar Max
With the implementation of rotor sails , the Sohar Max will be able to reduce its fuel consumption by up to 6%, which translates into a reduction of up to 3,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. During its recent trip to Tubarao, Brazil, the Sohar Max began its testing period to evaluate the performance of the new technology, a process that will continue on its future voyages.
Max VLOC sailboat with Anemoi rotor sails. Source: Anemoi
This effort reinforces our commitment to sustainability in the shipping industry. Through initiatives such as this, we seek to lead the way towards decarbonizing iron ore shipping.
Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale’s Shipping Director, commented, highlighting the importance of this project
This is a milestone for wind propulsion, as it shows that even the largest vessels can benefit from wind power. Our award-winning technology continues to prove its worth and we are excited to support Vale and Asyad on their journey towards a greener future.
Nick Contopoulos, Director of Production and Partnerships, said, expressing his satisfaction with the project.
Wind power transforms maritime transport
This project marks just the beginning of a series of similar initiatives. In 2024, Vale also announced that it would install rotor sails on the supersail vessel NSU Tubarao, a VLOC of the same capacity, with the aim of continuing to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Anemoi has plans to bring this technology to other large vessels in collaboration with major ship owners and operators globally.
With the industry’s growing focus on achieving net-zero emissions, wind propulsion, and rotor sails in particular, are emerging as a key solution to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of global shipping .
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Source and photo: Anemoi Marine Technologies
