World’s first installation of rotor sail on a Capesize bulk carrier for VALE

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. has announced that a 200,000-tonne class bulk carrier, currently employed under a mid-term contract for the transportation of iron ore for Vale, has been successfully retrofitted with two 35m x 5m Norsepower Rotor Sails™ and marked its first call at Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.

This is the world’s first case of rotor sails on a Capesize bulk carrier*. The vessel is expected to achieve about 6–10% fuel and GHG emissions reductions on the Brazil to Far East routes, combined with voyage optimization 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**.

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*** emissions by 2035, related to the value chain, of which shipping emissions are a 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 programme, an R&D initiative based on strong partnerships with shipowners. Since 2018, the company has been operating second-generation Valemaxes (capacity of 400,000 tonnes) and, since 2019, Guaibamaxes (capacity of 325,000 tonnes) — these vessels are among the most efficient in the world. As part of the Ecoshipping programme, Vale developed innovative energy-efficient projects, such as the rotor sails project, and a pioneering project to incorporate multifuel tanks on iron ore carriers.

*Capesize bulk carriers:100,000 to 200,000 Deadweight Tonnage class.

**In May, TOKYO-Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and its group company MOL Drybulk Ltd. announced their intent to install wind propulsion systems on a total of seven newbuilding bulk carriers and multipurpose vessels, which will be operated by MOL Drybulk.

***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.

MOL and VALE will continue to work towards both the stable transportation of iron ore and the reduction of GHG emissions with the help of Norsepower, to contribute to the realization of a lowcarbon society.

ABOUT MITSUI O.S.K. LINES, LTD. (MOL)

MOL is a renowned shipping company operating over 800 ships across the world. MOL’s 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.

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.

The company’s operations comprise integrated logistics systems, including approximately 2,000km of railways, marine terminals and ten ports around the globe.

Vale has the ambition to be recognized by society as a benchmark in safety, the best-in-class reliable operator, a talentdriven organization, a leader in sustainable mining, and a benchmark in creating and sharing value.

About Norsepower

Norsepower Oy Ltd is a Finnish clean technology and engineering company pioneering modern auxiliary wind propulsion to help reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

The Norsepower Rotor Sail™ has been used by customers for ten years and has been installed on various ship types such as tankers, LCO2 (liquefied CO2) carriers, bulk carriers, and RoRo and RoPax vessels, and the number of installations will be more than doubled within the next 15 months.

Norsepower’s CEO, Heikki Pöntynen, adds: “We are very proud of our partnership with MOL and VALE. The successful installation of Norsepower Rotor SailsTM on a Capesize bulk carrier marks a significant milestone not just for Norsepower, but for the entire maritime industry. The integration of our wind propulsion technology on such a large vessel highlights our partners’ growing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. We are delighted to be a part of this pioneering project that aligns perfectly with our efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry.”

The performance of the Norsepower Rotor Sails™ has been confirmed by multiple independent third-party verifiers and is seen as one of the most prominent existing solutions for significantly reducing the carbon emissions of shipping.