MUSCAT: The maritime industry contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to oceangoing vessels relying on heavy-fuel oil. To combat this, wind power emerges as a game-changer, offering a promising solution. Ships, once reliant on wind, now lead efforts to limit/ reduce the usage of fossil fuels, with rotor sails emerging as a key technology in this transition.
In the dynamic sphere of sustainable shipping, Asyad Group strides boldly towards a greener future. As global industries grapple with the urgency of combating climate change, Asyad takes the helm in adopting wind-assisted propulsion technology, harnessing the transformative power of the winds to navigate this crucial transition.
Asyad's commitment to sustainability is exemplified by its collaboration with Vale, the global mining company, and Anemoi Marine Technologies, a UK-based supplier of wind-assisted propulsion technology. The partnership involves installing five rotor sails, also known as 'Flettner rotors,' on the Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) Sohar Max, a 400,000-deadweight tonnage (dwt) Valemax vessel, owned by Asyad and leased by Vale in Oman
These cylindrical sails, standing at an impressive 35 meters tall and 5 meters in diameter, are set to revolutionize the vessel's propulsion system. What sets this project apart is the use of Anemoi's folding deployment system, allowing the sails to be folded from a vertical position. This innovation minimizes the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations, showcasing a thoughtful approach to integration.
The significance of this endeavor extends beyond a single vessel. Asyad's collaboration with Anemoi aligns with the broader industry trend of embracing wind-assisted propulsion to address environmental concerns. Rotor sails, by harnessing wind power, offer additional thrust and significantly improve energy efficiency, leading to substantial cuts in carbon emissions.
The Valemax vessels, which typically navigate deep-sea routes between Brazil, China, and the Middle East, are well-suited for wind propulsion. Asyad's proactive approach to integrating Anemoi rotor sails is projected to yield remarkable results, with an anticipated 6% reduction in fuel consumption and a corresponding decrease of up to 3,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per ship annually.
This partnership signifies a crucial step in Vale's decarbonisation journey, underscoring the efficacy of wind-assisted propulsion in improving vessel efficiency and reducing net emissions.
Asyad's decision to embrace wind-assisted propulsion technology represents a paradigm shift. By undertaking this initiative, Asyad not only contributes to meeting international emission reduction targets, but also sets a precedent for other shipowners to adopt net-zero technologies as Rotor sails emerge as a suitable choice for those committed to sustainability, aligning with critical international standards like EEDI/EEXI and the Carbon Intensity Indicator.
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