São Luís Welcomes The World’s First Ore Carrier Using Vale’s Air Lubrication Technology

After Launching The Ship With Rotating Sails, Vale Brings To São Luís The World’s First Bulk Carrier That Features A Technology Utilizing Artificial Bubbles To Reduce CO2 Emissions

The Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal, in São Luís, received this week the world’s first bulk carrier to feature air lubrication technology, which consists of artificially produced air bubbles on the hull of the vessel. The technology was developed by Vale and installed on the Sea Victoria, a Guaibamax.

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Bulk Carrier Can Transport 325 Thousand Tons

The bulk carrier that arrived in São Luís has a capacity to transport up to 325 thousand tons and has 10 compressors installed on its deck that send air to 20 devices positioned underneath it, creating a carpet of bubbles.

This Vale technology will reduce the friction of the hull with the water, decreasing fuel consumption and also the emissions of polluting gases, helping Vale further reduce its CO2 emissions in the maritime sector. Vale’s navigation team projects that if the technology works, it could be applied to the entire fleet dedicated to the company.

According to Rodrigo Bermelho, technical manager of Navigation, estimates indicate a fuel reduction of around 5 to 8% per bulk carrier. According to calculations, a single vessel has the capacity to reduce emissions by up to 5,600 tons of CO2 per year.

The technology received by the São Luís terminal could be installed across the entire fleet dedicated to Vale’s operations, with a 4.4% reduction in annual emissions from Vale’s iron bulk carriers.

Terminal Operations Executive Manager In São Luís Speaks Out

According to Luís Allevato, executive manager of operations at the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal, Vale is investing in new technologies and research to make operations increasingly sustainable. The miner continuously seeks excellence in performance, safety, efficiency, and sustainability, whether it be through tax generation, its prominent position in the global and national port scenario, or job creation.

The installation of the technology on the ship that arrived in São Luís was provided by Silverstream, an English manufacturer, and is a project created by Vale’s navigation department, along with ITV and the Korean shipowner Pan Ocean.

The project for the ship and the bubble system was undertaken by the Shanghai Ship Design Research Institute. The New Times Shipbuilding yard in China prepared the ship during its production, and the Yiu Lian Dockyards yard was responsible for the installation of the technology, which took a little over a month, making the ship ready by June 28.

Vale And The First Ship With Rotating Sails

The miner recently announced the first bulk carrier to utilize rotating sails, which was also built in China and arrived at the port of Tubarão in Espírito Santo in July.

The vessel features 5 sails distributed throughout its structure that generate an efficiency of 8% and an annual reduction of 3,400 tons of CO2 per ship. If the system proves to be efficient, it is projected that at least 40% of the miner’s fleet will consist of such vessels, which would bring a reduction of nearly 1.5% of the annual emissions from Vale’s maritime sector.