Anemoi has installed Rotor Sails on an NS United bulk carrier, marking the fourth VLOC installation of the company’s Rotor Sails. The completion also means Anemoi has surpassed 1.6 million DWT of vessel tonnage installed with its wind-assisted ship propulsion solution.
The UK-based designer of Rotor Sails for wind-assisted ship propulsion (WASP) retrofitted five 35-metre-tall units on the 400,000 DWT ore carrier NSU Tubarao. The vessel, owned by bulk owner/operator NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (NSU) and chartered by mining giant Vale International, is expected to reduce fuel consumption by six to twelve per cent annually using the WASP system.
It also marks the fourth very large ore carrier (VLOC) installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails on vessels chartered by Vale.
Also read: VIDEO: Anemoi opens Rotor Sail production facility in China
Rotor Sails and power management
The Rotor Sail installation on the five-year-old vessel, currently operating under a long-term charter to transport iron ore for Vale, was completed during scheduled drydocking in October in Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard Co.,Ltd, China. The Rotor Sails are deployed using a folding (tilting) mechanism for flexibility during cargo handling.
NSU combines Rotor Sails with advanced digital solutions that optimise power usage and vessel routing, enhancing fuel efficiency on NSU Tubarao and maximising the use of wind energy. Manta’s FuelOpt offers flexibility to the owner for power management of the main engine including optimisation of fuel saved by the Rotor Sails. Coupled with NAPA’s Voyage Optimisation toolbox for voyage planning to maximise the benefits of favourable winds without compromising departure or arrival times.
Also read: VIDEO: Anemoi wraps biggest wind propulsion project yet
Shaft generator integration
During the scheduled special survey, NSU Tubarao was also equipped with a new shaft generator designed to enhance the efficiency of the vessel. This upgrade not only improves the vessel’s own energy performance, but also optimises fuel consumption when operating Anemoi’s Rotor Sails.
Anemoi integrated its Rotor Sail technology with the vessel’s shaft generator through advanced control system integration, ensuring seamless coordination between wind propulsion and onboard power supply. NSU’s approach means this installation stands among the most efficient wind propulsion retrofits projects to date.
Clare Urmston CEO of Anemoi: ‘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.’
Also read: U-Ming orders Anemoi Rotor Sails for VLOC
NSU Tubarao
NSU Tubarao is a 361-metre length overall, 65-metre beam very large ore carrier delivered in September 2020. With a deadweight tonnage of 399,717, it is amongst the largest bulk carriers in the world. The five Rotor Sails onboard measure 35 metres tall and 5 metres in diameter, designed to maximise the magnus effect that provides lift and thrust to significantly reduce engine propulsion demand in order to sail at a given speed.
Picture: NSU Tubarao fitted with five Anemoi Rotor Sails (photo by Anemoi).
