In an exciting advancement for maritime sustainability, Taiwan’s U-Ming Marine Transport is set to enhance its fleet with innovative technology. The company has secured a contract with Anemoi Marine Technologies to install four of their cutting-edge Rotor Sails on one of U-Ming’s very large ore carriers (VLOCs), specifically the vessel named Grand Pioneer. The installation process is scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2025, marking a significant step towards greener shipping practices.
The Rotor Sails, towering at 35 meters and measuring 5 meters in diameter, are designed to capture wind energy to boost the ship’s propulsion. This retrofit will notably reduce fuel consumption and emissions by an impressive 10 to 12 percent during deep-sea voyages, particularly on routes between China, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. These savings are crucial as the global shipping industry increasingly seeks solutions to its environmental impact.
A standout feature of the Rotor Sails installation is Anemoi’s unique folding deployment system. This ensures that the sails can be adjusted from a vertical position to a folded state, minimizing their impact on air draught and cargo operations—a vital consideration for efficient maritime logistics.
Mr. CK Ong, President of U-Ming, emphasized that these advanced rotor sails are integral to the company’s decarbonisation strategy. He stated, “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.” U-Ming is not stopping here; they are committed to exploring further emissions-lowering innovations, including carbon capture systems and transitioning conventional vessels to methanol dual-fuel propulsion.
This initiative adds to Anemoi’s growing reputation in the maritime industry, which has seen their Rotor Sails installed on various vessels, including a successful retrofit on a large Kamsarmax bulk carrier and a Valemax ore carrier earlier this year. As emissions regulations tighten globally, shipowners are turning to technologies like Flettner Rotors to enhance energy efficiency and meet critical international targets, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI/EEXI).
The maritime sector is undoubtedly at a crossroads, and U-Ming’s collaboration with Anemoi Marine Technologies sets a strong precedent in the pursuit of sustainability. By leveraging renewable wind energy, shipping companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, paving the way for a more eco-friendly future.
Stay tuned for more updates on green innovations in shipping and how leading companies are embracing change to protect our oceans for generations to come.
Tags: #BusinessNews #TechNews #Environment #WorldNews
