Asyad launches Sohar Max mega vessel with wind propulsion technology
Muscat – Asyad Group has announced the launch of its massive cargo vessel, Sohar Max, which utilises wind propulsion technology to achieve enhanced environmental efficiency.
This ambitious initiative underscores Asyad's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive the maritime sector's transition to sustainability. By integrating wind propulsion technologies, the group aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and lead the shift towards cleaner, more efficient energy sources in maritime operations.
Sohar Max – with a carrying capacity of 400,000 tonnes – is fitted with five giant rotor sails, each 35 metres tall and 5 metres in diameter. These have been developed in collaboration with global leaders Vale and Anemoi Marine Technologies. The rotor sails capture wind energy through a physical principle that enhances vessel propulsion. Leveraging this advanced technology, the sails can reduce fuel consumption by up to 6%. In turn, this innovation cuts carbon emissions by 3,000 tonnes annually per vessel, positioning Sohar Max as a trailblazer in sustainable maritime shipping.
The sails also feature advanced folding technology, developed by Anemoi, which allows them to fold horizontally during port manoeuvres or when passing under low-clearance structures such as bridges. This design provides exceptional operational flexibility, enabling smoother navigation and improving both cargo handling efficiency and overall vessel performance in diverse marine conditions.
These forward-looking solutions align with Asyad Group's objective of striking a balance between environmental sustainability and high operational efficiency.
Dr Ibrahim bin Bakheet al Nadhairi, CEO of Asyad Shipping, said, 'Today, we take a pioneering step towards building a sustainable future in maritime transport. The Sohar Max vessel serves as a model of innovative solutions that support Oman's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It minimises environmental impact while improving the efficiency of maritime operations. Wind propulsion technology offers a genuine opportunity to revolutionise the shipping sector by reducing emissions and enhancing the performance of large vessels. This project is a true testament to our commitment to sustainable innovation and marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a maritime future that balances economic growth with environmental preservation.'
Nasser al Azri, CEO of Vale Oman, said, 'Equipping the Sohar Max with innovative wind propulsion technology is a landmark achievement in our partnership with Asyad Group. It reflects our commitment to developing eco-friendly logistics solutions that reduce carbon emissions and enhance the efficiency of global supply chains. Sohar Max is one of four ultra-large carriers – Sohar Max, Shinas Max, Liwa Max, and Saham Max – invested in by Vale to support our operations in Oman, with Sohar Max being the first to incorporate this advanced technology. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Asyad to leverage Oman's strategic location and ambitious vision to establish its position as a global hub for sustainable logistics.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
13-05-2025
- Observer
Vale, OQAE join forces to power Oman operations with renewables
MUSCAT: Global mining giant Vale has signed a Head of Agreement (HOA) with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) to accelerate the decarbonisation of its operations in Oman. The agreement, signed during Oman Sustainability Week, sets the stage for developing renewable energy solutions to power Vale's pelletising plant in Sohar Port and support future energy needs of the Green Metallic Mega Hub planned in Duqm. The partnership aims to integrate clean energy into Vale's industrial operations through collaboration on energy supply, land coordination, and long-term planning. The agreement is expected to drive the shift toward renewable energy while laying the foundation for sustainable industrial development in Oman. 'Achieving large-scale decarbonisation requires more than ambition — it demands strong partnerships and robust infrastructure,' said Saleh Al Muslahi, Chief Executive of Mega Hubs–Middle East and North Africa at Vale. 'Through this agreement with OQAE, we are aligning on key elements such as demand aggregation and long-term supply models to transition Sohar operations and unlock Duqm's green potential.' Najla Zuhair al Jamali, CEO of OQ Alternative Energy, emphasized the broader significance of the collaboration. 'This partnership reflects OQAE's mission to support the industrial sector's shift to clean energy. Beyond reducing emissions at a single site, we are helping create a new blueprint for renewable-powered industrial development in Oman.' Vale has committed to transitioning its Sohar pelletising plant to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The company is also developing a major industrial complex in Duqm to produce high-quality agglomerated iron ore products that support low-carbon steelmaking for both domestic and international markets. This partnership underscores Vale's global strategy to reduce its environmental impact and foster sustainable growth through cleaner technologies and operational efficiency.
Muscat Daily
13-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Vale signs deal with OQAE to advance decarbonisation of its Oman operations
Muscat – As part of its strategy to decarbonise its operations in Oman and transition its industrial energy use to renewable sources, Vale in Oman has signed a Head of Agreement (HOA) with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) during Oman Sustainability Week. The agreement establishes a framework for developing renewable energy solutions to power Vale's pelletising plant in Sohar Port as well as support future energy needs for the upcoming Green Metallic Mega Hub in Duqm. The agreement outlines the direction for future project development by establishing clear areas of cooperation related to energy supply, land coordination and long-term planning, all aimed at enabling the integration of renewable energy into Vale's operations. Saleh al Muslahi, Chief Executive of Mega Hubs-Middle East and North Africa, said, 'Achieving large-scale decarbonisation demands more than ambitions, it requires strategic planning, strong partnerships, and reliable access to sustainable energy. Our agreement with OQAE embodies this approach. By aligning on demand aggregation, infrastructure readiness, and long-term supply models, we are creating the critical conditions to advance our transition in Sohar and unlock the potential of our future mega hub in Duqm.' Najla Zuhair al Jamali, Chief Executive of OQ Alternative Energy said, 'Our collaboration with Vale reflects OQAE's commitment to enabling the industrial sector's transition to clean energy. This agreement goes beyond decarbonizing a single site – it lays the foundation for a new model of sustainable industrial development in Oman, powered by renewables. Together, we are shaping a future where energy innovation drives national growth and global climate progress.' Vale's ambition is to help decarbonise the mining industry and support the transition to net-zero steelmaking in the long term. Stemming from its belief that energy transition is a great growth engine, the company has made public commitments to reduce its environmental footprint by investing in cleaner technologies, improving operational efficiency, and adopting advanced emissions control systems. In Oman, this ambition is being translated into action through the company's commitment to transition its pelletizing plant in Sohar to 100% renewable electricity by 2030 as well as the establishment of a large-scale industrial complex in Duqm designed to produce high-quality agglomerated products that enable lower-carbon steel production for both local and global markets.
Times of Oman
13-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Oman Investment Authority announces winners of its Excellence Award
Muscat: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has revealed the winners of the second edition of its Excellence Award, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and recognising companies that contribute to national goals while encouraging competitiveness and performance excellence. Omantel secured the award in the Growth and Job Creation category for increasing its revenue compared to the previous year, allocating 18% of its assets to new projects—achieving 98% of its annual targets. The company also created new jobs for Omanis alongside replacements, raising its Omanisation rate to 94%. ITHCA Group excelled in the Financial Sustainability category, ranking highest in the 2024 financial sustainability assessment due to significant improvements in key indicators and delivering positive financial performance. In the Private Sector and SME Empowerment category, Omra Group won for achieving high growth in SME development, facilitating private-sector investment exits, and ensuring 56% of total investments were private-sector driven. OQ Group claimed the Local Value-Added, Research, Development and Innovation award for having the highest average spending on local value-added within its supply chain in 2023–2024. The group also led in supplier development programs, local product and service customisation, and R&D initiatives. Asyad Group won the Project Excellence award for its Asyad Container Terminal in Duqm, recognized for efficient execution within budget, timeline, and safety standards, alongside a 70% Omanisation rate and 43% local procurement, boosting in-country value. Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, OIA Chairman emphasised the authority's responsibility beyond financial returns, stating its focus on national priorities like economic diversification, local value addition, knowledge transfer, job creation, and governance best practices. He noted that the award reflected tangible progress, with companies showing improved 2024 revenues, new investments, operational expansions, and sustained Omanisation efforts. Strategic private-sector partnerships and SME support initiatives also grew, alongside increased local procurement, which directed OMR265.5 million to SMEs. Local value-added rose to 32% in 2024 (from 23% in 2023), with over 50 innovative projects developed. The announcements were made at the ninth Rawabit Forum, held under the patronage of Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Head of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, and attended by board chairs and CEOs. The forum highlighted innovation and alignment with national priorities. OIA showcased its role in advancing Oman's agenda, including human capital development—creating 6,500 jobs (77.7% Omanisation) across its 41,000-strong workforce. It also emphasised local value-added integration into subsidiary KPIs, a social investment policy launched in Q1 2024, and reducing subsidiary debt by OMR1.8 billion in 2024 to enhance credit ratings and reinvestment capacity. The National Development Portfolio (NDP), established in 2021, has contributed OMR3 billion to the state budget, with OMR8 billion invested in Oman Vision 2040 priority sectors. OIA launched the NDP Strategy to amplify its support for Oman Vision 2040, focusing on renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon neutrality by 2050, downstream value addition, sector localization, and competitive advantage. The forum also saw key agreements, including Asyad's partnership with Hafeet Rail and Takatuf Oman to enhance logistics training, and Mazoon Mining's $270 million financing from local and regional banks, alongside construction contracts with Asyad, ONIC, and Strabag Oman.
