Taipei-based U-Ming Marine Transport will install four rotor sails on one of its vessels as it aims to increase fleet efficiency.
The shipowner will install four of Anemoi’s 35 m tall, 5m in diameter, cylindrical sails on the 325,000-dwt very large ore carrier (VLOC) 2020-built Grand Pioneer.
U-Ming has appointed UK’s technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. to install the rotor sails to the VLOC, with the installation work expected to be completed at the end of 2025.
The rotor sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, will also be installed with Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, whereby the sails can be folded from vertical to mitigate impact on air draught and cargo handling operations.
Anemoi claims that this installation will result in fuel and emission savings of around 10-12% on deep-sea routes between China and Brazil, South Africa, and Australia.
This latest move follows the installation of Anemoi rotor sails on various vessels including four Anemoi rotor sails with rail deployment systems aboard an 82,000 dwt kamsarmax bulk carrier in June 2023, and the retrofit of four folding rotor sails aboard a 388,000 dwt valemax ore carrier in May 2024.
U-Ming’s president, CK Ong, explains that his company will continue to research other emission lowering pathways, such as carbon capture systems and retrofitting conventional vessels to methanol dual-fuel.
“These state-of-the-art rotor sails will play a key role in our decarbonisation strategy and will complement our portfolio of existing emission reducing technologies, including a fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels”.
“With significant fuel and emissions savings forecasted, this latest investment will further enhance the international recognition of U-Ming’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and Anemoi’s position as a leading provider of critical vessel decarbonisation technology,” added Claes Horndahl, commercial director of Anemoi Marine Technologies.
