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The objective of the Vale and MOL project is to significantly reduce fuel consumption in operations. Two rotor sails for wind propulsion will be installed on bulk carriers transporting iron ore.
Aiming at sustainability and fuel reduction in its maritime transport operations, the mining company Vale has an important project with the Japanese MOL. The project provides for the installation of wind propulsion systems on bulk iron transport ships. The Norsepower Rotor Sail must be implemented on vessels until the year 2024, according to the project, to contribute to the mining company's environmental commitment.
Project to install wind propulsion systems on Vale's iron ore transport ships provides for a 6 to 10% fuel reduction in operations
Investments in the decarbonization of the national transport sector have been increasingly intensive in recent years. The search for new sustainability solutions has led companies across the country to seek new alternatives to reduce pollutant emissions, as in the case of Vale.
The mining industry giant is seeking to provide even more sustainability in its transport operations of iron ore with its new project with the Japanese MOL.
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The agreement provides for the installation of two rotor sails for wind propulsion on the mining company's bulk carriers. The bulk carrier is owned by MOL and employed by VALE under a medium-term contract for the transport of iron.
According to the project, the installation of the 35m x 5m rotor sails is scheduled for the year 2024. The mining company aims to accelerate the development of the system to start taking advantage of the benefits of the initiative.
Norsepower Rotor Sail™ will be the system used for the ships. It is 100% automated, producing strong thrust as the wind generates differential pressure around the rotating engine.
This can guarantee a 6% to 10% reduction in fuel consumption in the company's iron transport operations.
Thus, Vale's initiative with MOL strongly contributes to minimizing carbon emissions and other polluting gases during these activities.
See how the propulsion system works
MOL reinforces its position as a defender of wind propulsion systems on transport ships in a new contract with Mineradora Vale
The new contract with Vale reinforces MOL's position in the international transport market. The company has been strongly defending the propulsion wind on ships to reduce the use of fuels in operations.
The company recently completed the maiden voyage of the Shofu Maru. This is the first bulk carrier in the world to use wind propulsion in its operations.
According to the company, the vessel is equipped with a Wind Challenger system, which uses wind energy to propel the vessel.
“MOL and VALE will continue to work both for the stable transport of iron ore and for the reduction of GHG emissions”, stated the pair of companies.
With the development of the wind propulsion project on bulk carriers transporting iron ore, Vale and Mol are contributing to an even more sustainable sector.
