Top Page > Press Release 2024 > World's 1st Installation of Rotor Sails on a Capesize Bulk Carrier for VALE

World's 1st Installation of Rotor Sails on a Capesize Bulk Carrier for VALE

August 20, 2024


Tokyo - Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL; President & CEO: Takeshi Hashimoto) and Vale International SA (VALE; CEO: Eduardo Bartolomeo Headquarters: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) announced that a 200,000-ton 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 SailsTM and marked its first call at Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.

The Rotor Sails-equipped bulk carrier Camellia Dream in operation

This is the world's first case of rotor sails on a capesize bulk carrier (Note 1). The vessel 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 greenhouse gas (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(Note 2).
MOL Group will contribute not only to the reduction of GHG emissions from its own group, but also to the reduction and decarbonization of society as a whole through the safe management and efficient operation of its environmentally friendly fleet that combines wind propulsion technology.

Vale is committed to supporting the maritime industry in achieving the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) decarbonization targets. Aligned with the ambition of the Paris Agreement, Vale also has a target of a 15% reduction in scope 3 (Note 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, a R&D initiative based on a strong partnership with shipowners. Since 2018, the company has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (capacity of 400,000 tons) and, since 2019, Guaibamaxes (capacity of 325,000 tons) - 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.

MOL and VALE will continue to work towards both the stable transportation of iron ore and the reduction of GHG emissions, to contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society.

(Note 1) Capesize bulk carriers:100,000 to 220,000 Deadweight Tonnage class.

(Note 2) Please refer to our press release about "Wind propulsion systems" below.
"Wind Propulsion Systems will be Installed on 7 Vessels Operated by MOL Drybulk
- Steadily Pursuing to '25 Wind Challenger-equipped Vessels' by 2030 -
"

(Note 3) A category of GHG emissions that covers not only direct GHG emissions within the company, but also indirect emissions associated with the company's business.

About Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)
MOL is a global leading shipping company operating over 800 ships across the world. MOL fleet includes bulk carriers, liquefied natural gas carriers, Ro-Ro car carrier ships, oil tankers, etc. In addition to the traditional shipping businesses, MOL offers social infrastructure businesses such as real estate, terminal and logistics, offshore wind power, and associated businesses. With one of the largest merchant fleets and 140 years of history, experience, and technology, MOL group aims to be a strong and resilient corporate group that provides new value to all stakeholders. Official website: https://www.mol.co.jp/en/

For further information, please contact:
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.
Corporate Communication Division, Media Relations Team
E-mail: mrtmo@molgroup.com /TEL: 03-3587-7015

About Vale International SA
Vale is a global mining company that exists to improve lives and transform the future together. One of the world's largest producers of iron ore and nickel and a major copper producer, Vale is headquartered in Brazil and operates around the world. Its operations comprise integrated logistics systems, including approximately 2,000 kilometres of railways, marine terminals and 10 ports distributed around the globe.
Vale has the ambition to be recognized by society as a benchmark in safety, the best-in-class reliable operator, a talent-driven organization, a leader in sustainable mining, and a benchmark in creating and sharing value.

For further information, please contact:
Media Relations Office - Vale, imprensa@vale.com

About Norsepower Oy Ltd
Norsepower Oy Ltd is a Finnish clean technology and engineering company pioneering modern auxiliary wind propulsion. The Norsepower Rotor SailTM has been used by customers for already ten years and has been installed on various ship types such as tankers, LCO2 carriers, bulk carriers, and ro-ro and ro-pax vessels. The installed base will be more than doubled within the next 12 months. The performance of the Norsepower Rotor SailsTM has been confirmed by multiple independent third-party verifiers and is seen as one of the most prominent already existing solution for significantly reducing the carbon emissions of shipping.

For more information on the Norsepower Rotor SailTM, please visit:
www.norsepower.com