Brazilian mining company, Vale, has announced a deal to install 35-metre Rotor Sails on board a 400,000 dwt very large ore carrier (VLOC). The agreement between Vale and wind-assisted propulsion supplier Anemoi will see five 35m tall, 5m diameter, Flettner rotors installed on the Sohar Max VLOC, which is owned by Omani shipowner Asyad.

The Rotor Sails will be installed on Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, whereby the sails can be folded from vertical to mitigate impact on air draught and cargo handling operations. The installation work is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

Anemoi has also been appointed by Vale to undertake a full array of technical services both pre and post delivery, including the vessel integration design with SDARI (Shanghai Ship Design and Research Institute), support with plan approval, project management and onsite supervision, onboard training and after sales services.