Latest news with #RotorSails


Observer
01-08-2025
- Business
- Observer
Asyad Shipping invests $64m in decarbonisation initiatives
MUSCAT, August 1 Asyad Shipping Company SAOG, Oman's majority state-owned maritime transportation company, says it has invested in excess of $64 million in a range of initiatives aimed at reducing the global carbon footprint associated with the operation of its 89-vessel strong, ocean-going fleet. An overview of these initiatives is detailed in the newly published 2024 Sustainability Report of the publicly traded company, which is part of Asyad Group — global integrated logistics enterprise of the Sultanate of Oman. 'Through our strategic initiatives in 2024, we have successfully reduced over 4,000 tonnes of emissions. Over $64 million has been invested in decarbonisation efforts since 2019, ensuring our full fleet complies with advanced environmental protection systems', said Asyad Group in a recent post. 'These milestones, highlighted in our 2024 Sustainability Report, reflect our unwavering commitment to investments and technologies that drives us towards Oman Vision 2040 and enhancing Oman's position as a global logistics hub'. According to Dr Ibrahim al Nadhairi, Chief Executive Officer, the company achieved significant emissions reductions across its fleet, while laying the ground for advancing its decarbonisation goals. This was accomplished through investments in advanced, energy-efficient technologies and the implementation of targeted operational measures, he said. 'These efforts highlight our commitment to meeting global climate goals, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strategy. Our continued investments in cutting-edge technology demonstrate a dual focus: upholding environmental responsibility and boosting operational efficiency. These advancements have further optimised our fleet's performance, leading to substantial emission reductions and reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable maritime operations', Dr Al Nadhairi stated in the Sustainability Report. As part of its broader decarbonisation strategy, Asyad Shipping has introduced several impactful initiatives to curb emissions. Among the most notable is the installation of Rotor Sails on one of its vessels last year. These advanced systems leverage tall, rotating cylinders to harness the Magnus Effect, generating additional thrust and reducing the vessel's reliance on engine power. Depending on wind conditions, this technology can cut fuel consumption and emissions by 5 per cent to 30 per cent, offering efficiency improvements either through targeted retrofits or full-fleet adoption. In parallel, Asyad Shipping is collaborating with engine manufacturers Wartsila and MAN to upgrade the main engines on 22 vessels, with the programme slated for completion in 2025. These upgrades are aimed at optimising fuel usage, enhancing engine performance and significantly lowering the fleet's carbon footprint. The company is also advancing its use of Hans Jensen cylinder lubricators, a solution designed for large two-stroke marine engines. These lubricators reduce cylinder oil consumption and improve engine health, contributing further to operational efficiency. In the field of carbon mitigation, Asyad Shipping has partnered with the German University of Technology (GUtech) to explore Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) solutions. Together, they are assessing a range of techniques — including pre-combustion, oxy-fuel, post-combustion and direct air capture — as part of a broader effort to develop cutting-edge emission control technologies. Looking ahead, the company plans to roll out a vessel performance monitoring system that will support compliance with climate-related regulations such as CII and EU ETS, while improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in real-time. Additionally, Asyad Shipping is preparing to equip its new LNG dual-fuel vessels with shaft generators. These systems draw power directly from the main engine shaft, eliminating the need for separate generator fuel burn. This measure is expected to deliver fuel oil savings of 2–4 per cent, or approximately 2–4 tonnes per day.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Independent verification of Anemoi Rotor Sails shows nearly 10% average emission savings on wind-assisted bulk carrier
LONDON, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A bulk carrier has propelled wind-assisted technology to the forefront of the maritime industry after a year's global trial achieved significant operational savings. Three 24m high Anemoi Rotor Sails were installed on the 82,000 DWT Kamsarmax bulk carrier TR Lady, with performance verification conducted by Lloyd's Register Advisory. The average net savings across the trial period, calculated from the verified performance model, were 1.9 tonnes of fuel per day and 7.0 tonnes of CO2 per day (well-to-wake). This equates to an average of 9.1% net propulsion fuel and emissions savings. "Independent verification is a crucial step in building trust across the industry. It underpins our commitment to setting a new standard as emerging technologies like wind propulsion pave the way in clean maritime innovation," said Clare Urmston, CEO, Anemoi Marine Technologies. During the trial, TR Lady, owned in funds managed by Tufton Investment Management Ltd and chartered by Cargill, navigated the Indian Ocean, South Atlantic, North and South Pacific, Southern Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn, as well as busy shipping lanes, like the Malacca Strait. Eight laden and ballast legs were analysed to calculate average fuel and emissions savings. While aligning with Anemoi's predicted 10% savings, the findings established a reliable benchmark for wind-assisted propulsion performance under various real-world conditions. As TR Lady did not follow a fixed route, results varied per voyage, including a notable a 22-day North Pacific voyage, averaging route savings of 21% net propulsion fuel reduction calculated from the verified performance model. Dr Dogan Uzun, Ship Performance Consultant at Lloyd's Register Advisory and assessment project manager, said: "We have independently verified Anemoi's methodology. The findings show that wind-assisted propulsion, when supported by robust data and transparent methods, can significantly reduce uncertainty and contribute meaningfully to emissions reduction in commercial shipping." Ms Urmston added: "Lloyd's Register Advisory's rigorous and transparent approach gives shipowners and operators the confidence that our technology delivers measured fuel savings and emissions reductions in line with expectations." Testing is now underway on several vessels featuring Anemoi's larger 35m Rotor Sails, with even better performance results expected. "We are excited by the results, which not only confirm the technology's effectiveness but also the strong operational and environmental benefits we anticipated," said Nicolas Tirogalas, Tufton's President and Chief Investment Officer. Chris Hughes, of Cargill, said real-world, on-ship performance of technologies "is a key piece in the wind assist propulsion puzzle." He concluded: "By combining the data from more than 167 rotor on/off tests that were conducted by the TR Lady, together with the independent verification from LR, Anemoi installed confidence in the accuracy of their analysis." Read the joint paper by Lloyd's Register and Anemoi detailing the Rotor Sail installation procedure, with a focus on the TR Lady Kamsarmax vessel here: Logo - View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mining company resurrects ancient technology to operate next-gen cargo ship: 'An exciting landmark project'
An industrial shipping vessel has been retrofitted with massive 114-foot rotor sails that are helping it cut down on its fuel usage, according to Interesting Engineering. Sohar Max is an ore hauler owned by the Omani shipping group Asyad and is operated by the Brazilian mining company Vale. Fuel consumption on the carrier is expected to be reduced by up to 6% thanks to the new sails, which amounts to cutting emissions by up to 3,300 tons annually. "Since 2010, Vale has been operating with highly efficient ships and, in recent years, has fostered initiatives for the adoption of wind energy, which will play a central role in the decarbonization of maritime transport of iron ore," said Rodrigo Bermelho, Vale's Director of Shipping in the announcement. "This project reinforces this tradition of Vale's shipping area of investing in innovation and stimulating the modernization of the fleet to reduce emissions, in partnership with shipowners." Many of the minerals Vale is moving are vital to battery production, which we need to electrify the grid and our vehicles. U.K.-based Anemoi handled the sail design and installation. "This is an exciting landmark project for Anemoi, and wind propulsion in general, as it demonstrates the significant impact wind energy has on even the largest vessels," said Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production & Partnerships Officer of Anemoi Marine Technologies. "Installing our Rotor Sails on this scale is a proud moment, showcasing our award-winning technology on another ore carrier. We are thrilled to be a part of Vale and Asyad's ongoing sustainability plans and to support their efforts in driving decarbonization across the maritime industry." Boat shipping is already one of the more emission-efficient modes available, but it's great to see incremental improvements. Some cargo ships have been able to operate purely on wind power, while other companies are upgrading their entire fleet with rotor sails. Swapping cargo ships over to hydrogen fuel could help bring those emissions further. Would you want a battery sewn into your clothing? Totally No way Sure — if it charges my phone I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Besides reducing pollution, companies also get to save a pretty penny on fuel costs associated with ships this size by making sustainable retrofits. That means manufacturers can afford to be more competitive in pricing the goods they sell to you. Anemoi and Vale expect to launch another similar rotor sail retrofit in September 2025. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.